Matchday 4 of the 2020-21 Premier League season will wrap up Sunday, October 4, with the Aston Villa versus Liverpool showdown at Villa Park in Birmingham.
The reigning champions will look for their fourth straight victory in this Premier League campaign, but Aston Villa have impressed at the start of the season, too, so we should see a great game at Villa Park even though Liverpool is a massive fave to win.
The Reds have won five straight Premier League encounters with Aston Villa, but here’s the best betting pick for Sunday afternoon along with all need-to-know betting tips and trends.
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool Tip
Three-way: 1: Aston Villa +715; X: +370 Draw; 2: Liverpool -233
Spread +1.5: Aston Villa -135; Liverpool +122
Total 3.0 Goals: Over -105; Under -105
Both Teams to Score: Yes -122; No +104
ASTON VILLA
The Lions starter the season in Week 2, beating Sheffield United 1-0 at home. Last week, they surprisingly had an easy job in a 3-0 victory at Fulham, although Aston Villa was a slight +140 fave to win.
Jack Grealish scored the opening goal after just four minutes of play in the first half, and 11 minutes later, the Lions had a big lead thanks to Conor Hourihane’s first goal of the season. Hourihane assisted to Tyrome Mings for the Villa’s third goal, while John McGinn finished the game with a couple of dishes.
The Lions barely avoided relegation last season. They are certainly happy with a pair of wins at the start of the 2020-21 Premier League season, but the clash against Liverpool will give us a clear picture of Aston Villa’s current form.
Betting Trends:
- Aston Villa won six of its last nine games along with one loss and two draws
- The Lions kept the net intact in four of their previous six games overall
- Five of Aston Villa’s last six home games produced fewer than three goals in total
LIVERPOOL
The Reds had a tough opening weekend, barely outlasting the newcomers Leeds 4-3 as -450 home favorites. The reigning champs allowed too many scoring opportunities, and it looked like they are far away from their top form.
However, the Reds improved a lot in Week 2, easily defeating Chelsea 2-0 on the road, while they convincingly beat Arsenal 3-1 last weekend. On the other hand, Liverpool surprisingly exited in the fourth round of the EFL Cup after losing to Arsenal on penalties this past Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp decided to make some big changes in his starting eleven, and the Reds failed to score, while Arsenal kept focus to escape with a victory thanks to a penalty shootout.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are leading the way for Liverpool this season, scoring three Premier League goals each. Takumi Minamino also scored three goals, but all three came in the EFL Cup.
Betting Trends:
- Liverpool won four of its last five games overall
- The Reds conceded in six of their last seven outings on the road
- Four of Liverpool’s last six games produced three or more goals in total
Match Prediction
The Lions finished the previous season in a strong fashion and carried the momentum into this campaign. However, the Reds should be too much for the Lions, and I expect the visitors to win.
Still, the odds on Liverpool are too unattractive, so I have to take a combo bet on the Reds to win and score at least twice.
Liverpool outlasted Aston Villa in both their last season’s Premier League encounters. The Reds won 2-0 at home, while they barely outlasted the Lions 2-1 in Birmingham after overcoming a deficit with a couple of late second-half goals.
The Pick: Liverpool to Win & Over 1.5 Goals at -180