Liverpool vs Aston Villa predictions: Early goals likely at Anfield
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- Liverpool have conceded in the first half of every league game so far
- Villa have scored in first 20 mins in each of last five games
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score in first half
Aston Villa have recovered well from their thumping opening-weekend loss at Newcastle and go to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side who are thriving in spite of some mixed displays.
Given the form of both sides heading into this clash, goals are expected and, while there is not a lot of value in backing a high-scoring contest, there is some value in getting behind a goal-filled first half.
Team news
Liverpool had Virgil van Dijk sent off last weekend so he misses this clash through suspension. The Reds are without their two first-choice central defender as Ibrahima Konate has also been ruled out with a muscle injury.
For Villa, they have long-term absentees Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings missing for this clash and boss Unai Emery is likely to stick with the back-three system which excelled against Burnley last weekend.
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The stats
Only Manchester United with 12 and Chelsea with seven Anfield victories have won more away games against Liverpool in the Premier League than Villa, who have triumphed there six times.
Liverpool have scored in all but two of their last 18 league games,
Moussa Diaby has been involved in three goals across his first three league games for Villa.
There have been seven first-half goals in Villa's first three league games.
The visitors have scored at least three times in each of their last four games in all competitions.
Prediction
Liverpool’s last home game against Bournemouth saw the Reds concede early opportunities when the Cherries had a goal ruled out before scoring the opener within three minutes.
Jurgen Klopp's side have already conceded in the first half of each of their three league games this term and their defence is not being punished for the number of chances they concede — they have racked up 4.94 Expected Goals Against from their early matches.
It is easy to see this Villa side exposing Liverpool's defence, as they have plenty of pace and they boast several technically gifted players.
Emery has built them into an effective attacking unit and they tend to make an impact early. In each of their last six league games, the Villans have scored inside the first 30 minutes.
Of course, their heavy loss on Tyneside cannot be ignored and the visitors have conceded before the break in four of their last five matches.
Liverpool remain one of the best sides going forward in the Premier League and they can break down Villa early in what should be an open game.
As a result, both teams to score before half-time is the standout bet in this clash.
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