Liverpool (2-0-1) managed a strong opening month with victories over Southampton and Tottenham on either side of a frustrating loss to Manchester City away at the Etihad. With Daniel Sturridge injured, Mario Balotelli is set to lead the line with Lazar Markovic believed inline for his first full start under Brendan Rodgers.
It is going to be interesting to see how Balotelli works with Raheem Sterling and Coutinho as the two creative attacking midfielders are likely to feature with the Italian hitman and the support of Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson will also be key to his success on his home debut.
Aston Villa (2-1-0) have yet to taste defeat this campaign but they as well have not yet been truly tested as their victories over Stoke City and Hull City with a goalless draw against Newcastle between have hardly proven that they are set to remain in the top half of the table this year.
Manager Paul Lambert continues to be without his biggest attacking threat in Christian Benteke and may be without star centerhalf Ron Vlaar as he is doubtful after suffering a knock on international duty and could be playing into the hands of the Reds whom look favored to hand the Villains their first loss of the season.
Predicted lineups:
Liverpool XI: Mignolet: Manquillo, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Gerrard, Henderson; Coutinho: Sterling, Balotelli, Markovic.
Aston Villa XI: Guzan: Hutton, Vlaar, Senderos, Cissokho; Weimann, Westwood, Sanchez, Delph, Richardson; Agbonlahor.
