Opposition Analysis: How Liverpool Could ‘Struggle’ Against Aston Villa | OneFootball

Liverpool vs. Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s Tactical Test at Anfield

The stage is set for another Premier League clash as Liverpool prepare to host Aston Villa at Anfield. On Saturday night, under the lights, Villa manager Unai Emery faces an uphill task against a Liverpool side that’s been in excellent form. Recently, Gregg Evans of The Athletic joined Hari Sethi on the Anfield Index podcast to discuss Villa’s current form, Liverpool’s strengths, and how the game might unfold. Here’s a deep dive into their insights, as Evans and Sethi dissect what’s at stake for both clubs in this exciting Premier League fixture.

Aston Villa’s Current Struggles and a Need for Stability

Emery’s Aston Villa find themselves at a crossroads. With recent losses to Club Brugge, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace, the team’s form has been inconsistent. “This is really unusual, almost unknown territory,” Gregg Evans notes, emphasizing the need for Villa to stabilize their game. He points out that Villa “never lost four in a row under Emery,” and this slump has made the atmosphere tense. The upcoming game against Liverpool will be crucial, as Villa aim to bounce back in the Premier League and regain their early-season momentum.

Evans further explains that a last-minute goal against Bournemouth in October seemed to disrupt Villa’s rhythm. Since then, Villa have been “hard-pressed to recover,” struggling to find form. Evans anticipates a tactical approach from Emery, expecting him to prioritize defensive solidity at Anfield, describing how Villa will likely “go back to basics,” with a focus on keeping their shape and limiting Liverpool’s opportunities.

Set Pieces and Key Players: The Villa Advantage?

One key area where Aston Villa could potentially cause problems for Liverpool is set pieces. Evans mentions Amadou Onana, noting, “he’s improved Villa in the attacking areas… they score more goals from set pieces than any other team in the Premier League.” This makes Onana a critical asset for Villa, especially against a Liverpool defence that occasionally concedes from set plays. Villa’s reliance on key players like Onana and Ollie Watkins will be paramount, particularly as Watkins has a history of troubling Liverpool’s defence.

Emi Martinez, Villa’s exceptional goalkeeper, has also been a standout performer. Evans calls him “amazing,” praising his consistent performances and crucial saves. Martinez’s influence could be pivotal if Villa adopt a defensive approach to keep Liverpool at bay. His command of the box and ability to organize the defence are qualities Villa will need in full force.

Liverpool’s Tactical Evolution Under Arne Slot

With Arne Slot now at the helm, Liverpool’s tactical setup has seen shifts in both defence and attack. Evans notes, “Liverpool appear to be better when teams come at them a little bit and it gives them the space to break forward.” In this regard, Villa’s potential cautious approach could test Liverpool’s ability to break down a well-organized defence, an area where the Reds have sometimes struggled.

Evans also highlights a key tactical shift, with Virgil van Dijk playing a crucial role in initiating Liverpool’s attacks. Slot’s system often sees Van Dijk involved in short, incisive passes to the midfield, linking up with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. This tactical tweak has allowed Liverpool to maintain control in the midfield while enabling players like Mo Salah to have more freedom on the wings. Evans is keen to see how Gravenberch handles the pressure, as recent games have seen opposition teams target him, disrupting Liverpool’s buildup.

Predictions and Key Battles

According to Evans, the clash between Ollie Watkins and Liverpool’s centre-backs, especially Van Dijk, could be one of the game’s defining matchups. Watkins has given Van Dijk trouble in the past, and Evans recalls memorable games where Watkins has been the standout. “Van Dijk hasn’t got great memories against Watkins,” he explains, suggesting that if Watkins finds his form, he could be instrumental in creating opportunities for Villa.

Photo: IMAGO

While Evans anticipates that Villa will sit back, he warns that Liverpool’s recent form makes them a formidable opponent. Arne Slot’s belief in the team’s ability to handle a “low block” may face a stern test if Villa remain disciplined. Evans, however, is cautious about Liverpool’s ease with such tactics, suggesting that “Liverpool have sometimes struggled to break down teams with a low block.” He believes that Liverpool’s midfield will play a significant role in finding creative ways to unlock Villa’s defence.

As Villa aim to recover from their poor form, Evans emphasizes the importance of their response in this fixture: “They’ve tasted Champions League, and they don’t want to throw that away,” he adds, pointing to the club’s ambition for a strong league finish. For Liverpool, the goal is simple: to keep the momentum rolling and continue to solidify their position in the top half of the Premier League.