Aston Villa have roared out of the gates this season taking seven points from their first three matches. After being pegged by many as a contender for relegation, Paul Lambert has his team playing extremely well as they've taken advantage of their early season schedule. Now comes their first big test of the new season as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
Liverpool have struggled at home against Aston Villa in recent seasons and injuries could open the door again for the visitors to take points.
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Key Player: Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)
Daniel Sturridge's thigh injury means that new signing Mario Balotelli will likely be asked to step in to the starting lineup in his home debut. Fortunately, Super Mario is an experienced player and familiar with England have spent time with Manchester City in the not to distant past. That said, it's Mario and despite all the talent and ability, you never quite know what to expect from the fiery striker. He could rain down goals like Biblical fire, or he could explode into a glorious ball of fire and take the world with him.
Key Matchup: Liverpool vs. Liverpool's recent history of coming up short against teams they should beat
At this point Aston Villa might actually enjoy coming to Anfield, which is odd to say since it’s one of the tougher places to play in England. The Villians are undefeated in their last three trips to the red half of Liverpool, and their strong start combined with the Reds’ injury woes should have them believing that can extend that streak to four. Liverpool have made an ugly habit over the past few seasons of finding ways to drop points at home against teams everyone expects them to beat. It seems to be a definite case of being able to get in the right mindset to win the big games, and then forgetting to do the little things to take care of business in the rest of the games. It probably cost Liverpool a title last season and there’s no Luis Suárez around anymore to bail them out.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge (thigh), Martin Skrtel (knock), Glen Johnson (thigh), Jon Flanagan (thigh), Emre Can (ankle).
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
In Doubt: Ron Vlaar (calf)
Liverpool's injury list continues to grow with Daniel Sturridge now facing three weeks on the shelf with a thigh injury. The arrival of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan before the transfer window closed should help cushion that blow, assuming the enigmatic Italian settles in and scores goals. Villa's only injury concern in defender Ron Vlaar who faces a fitness test on his calf ahead of the match.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBC (U.S.), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), TSN Go (Canada)
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