Liverpool have been warned to expect another difficult night at Villa Park after Ollie Watkins claimed Aston Villa “always” make life tough for us ahead of Friday’s huge Premier League clash.
Arne Slot’s side head into the game under growing pressure following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Chelsea, where Anfield frustration boiled over after another passive performance.
Villa, meanwhile, remain firmly in the Champions League race themselves after recovering to draw 2-2 away at Burnley on Sunday.
Speaking via avfc.co.uk after the draw, Watkins admitted Villa were disappointed not to win but quickly turned attention towards Liverpool’s visit.
The England international said: “We’re back at Villa Park against Liverpool, we always do well there, so it’s going to be difficult for them.”
The striker then doubled down on Villa’s confidence.
“We always make it difficult for them, and it’s going to be an enjoyable last home game of the season.”
Those comments won’t exactly calm nerves among Liverpool supporters given the current mood around the club.
Levi Colwill claimed Chelsea deserved all three points at Anfield on Saturday, while Calum McFarlane openly admitted his side targeted Curtis Jones’ unfamiliar right-back role.
Opposition teams clearly believe Liverpool can be exposed right now.
Watkins’ comments are interesting because, despite Villa’s recent improvement under Unai Emery, Liverpool’s record at Villa Park remains strong overall.
We’ve only lost one of our last 11 league visits there stretching back to 2011, while the Reds are unbeaten in the last five away games against Villa in all competitions.
However, the bigger concern is current form rather than historical records.
Liverpool started brightly against Chelsea before once again becoming passive both with and without the ball, something supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by during recent months.
Watkins also hinted Villa may benefit physically after their Europa League exertions begin to ease.
The 30-year-old admitted Sunday’s draw at Burnley was difficult after their European exploits but still described the result as “a good point”.
Villa now return home level with Liverpool on points and sensing vulnerability.
Given the atmosphere around Anfield right now, another poor result on Friday would only increase scrutiny on Slot and his struggling side.
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