Aston Villa v Liverpool betting tips: Reds bid to keep title race alive

Klopp remains defiant, though, saying: “As far as they (City) are not reachable, why should we stop believing? There are obviously different perspectives.

“We can take it as it was and say ‘We drew, they won’. It makes it three points and the goal difference has changed obviously as well.

“Or you see it like this; that we were six points behind and they lost and we won and the rest is exactly the same and we would be flying and couldn’t wait to play Aston Villa and bring the next three points.

“As human beings, we can decide for ourselves how we see it. There are some facts but we are allowed to ignore them.

“I try to help the boys, to see it like me and invite everyone else as well: let’s just assume we won the last game and they lost.

“It doesn’t make the Aston Villa game a little bit easier, not at all, but it gives you a nicer perspective and that’s what is important as well.”

"My possible successor? Yes…" 👀#LFC boss Jurgen Klopp says their former captain, Steven Gerrard, could be his successor at the club 🔴 pic.twitter.com/uJvyMDQ9jX

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 9, 2022

Liverpool are 4/9 to get back to winning ways but there are ways to back them at bigger odds in Aston Villa v Liverpool betting tips.

The Reds have kept a clean sheet in each of their last eight league victories and are 8/5 to win to nil while half of their last eight games ended in 2-0 wins and that is available at 13/2.

Gerrard out to stop former club

Steven Gerrard is expected to manage Liverpool one day but for now he is looking to effectively end their title challenge.

Gerrard may be hugely popular at Anfield but his current focus is on Villa building on Saturday’s impressive 3-1 win at Burnley which left them 11th in the table.

Villa are 6/1 to cause an upset and 9/5 to avoid defeat, with Gerrard urging his players to embrace the challenge of facing Liverpool.

He said: “Liverpool are a world-class team, arguably the best team in the world right now. We’re well aware of the challenge.

“I’ve spoken many times about how I respect the coach and the coaching staff there. You either fear that or you put your shoulders back and try to take it on and find situations where you can have your moments in the game.

“Every team on the planet, historically or now, there’s always areas or situations that happen in a game where you can hurt them.

“We’re well aware of the size of the challenge but it’s exciting and I’m looking forward to it. Big games of football are what it’s all about.”

Villa only lost 1-0 at Anfield in December thanks to a Mo Salah penalty and were incredible 7-2 winners in this fixture last season.

Nobody would suggest a repeat of that crazy scoreline in Aston Villa v Liverpool betting tips but over 3.5 goals is an option at 29/20.

Chambers ➡️ Buendía ➡️ Digne ➡️ McGinn ➡️ Watkins! 🤩

What a move. 👏 pic.twitter.com/b1gKjtV6mY

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 7, 2022

Villa have struggled against the current top eight this season, only taking points off Manchester United, and in seven home games against such opposition they have conceded 19 goals.

They could be exposed by Liverpool’s formidable forward line and Salah, Diaz and Sadio Mane all to have at least one shot on target is an option in the #YourCall markets at 19/20.

Salah can also be backed at 7/1 to score in both halves or the same price to score and have an assist.

Aston Villa v Liverpool team news

Jacob Ramsey remains out for Villa with a groin injury but could return for the weekend’s game with Crystal Palace.

Leon Bailey’s ankle injury will also keep him sidelined, with Gerrard expected to have a similar squad to the weekend.

Forward Roberto Firmino is set to return to the Liverpool squad.

The Brazil international has missed the last six matches with a foot problem but had additional training over the weekend to get him back up to speed.

Changes are expected with Joel Matip likely to come in at centre-back while Kostas Tsimikas may be given a rare start on the left of defence in order to rest Andy Robertson.