Liverpool faces Aston Villa amid strong home record

As Liverpool prepares to face Aston Villa at Villa Park, the match holds significant implications for both teams. Aston Villa, currently ninth in the Premier League, is looking to improve their league performance after a mixed bag of results, including a recent draw against Ipswich Town and a FA Cup win over Tottenham. Manager Unai Emery acknowledges the importance of this match as part of a crucial week that could bolster their Champions League aspirations, while also expressing concerns about their league form. Liverpool, sitting comfortably in the league, faces a challenging opponent with Villa's strong home record this season, having only lost once at home. Both teams are expected to field competitive line-ups, with Villa potentially making use of new signings to enhance their chances. The match is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, reflecting the high stakes for both sides.