Liverpool host Aston Villa in a high-stakes Premier League clash where both sides chase a symbolic 'five'—the Reds risk a fifth straight league defeat for the first time in history, while the Lions aim for a fifth consecutive win, potentially rewriting their Anfield narrative.
The best and worst kind of fives could be achieved at Anfield on Saturday evening, when a leaky Liverpool outfit host an ever-improving Aston Villa unit in the Premier League. This fixture, rich in historical nuance and current tension, arrives at a moment of stark contrast between two sides whose trajectories have diverged dramatically in recent weeks. For Liverpool, the number five looms ominously—a fifth consecutive Premier League defeat would mark an unprecedented low in their storied top-flight history. For Aston Villa, however, five represents a beacon of progress, as Unai Emery’s resurgent side seek a fifth straight league win, and perhaps more poignantly, a first triumph at Anfield in over a decade.
The regressing Reds are teetering on the edge of a crisis that few could have foreseen at the start of the campaign. Their early-season promise, punctuated by a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, now feels like a distant memory—a false dawn that masked deeper structural issues. That emphatic European victory had suggested that Arne Slot’s men were ready to turn a corner, to reassert themselves as domestic and continental contenders. Yet, the reality has been far more sobering. Since that night of euphoria, Liverpool have stumbled through a sequence of defeats that has eroded confidence, exposed tactical frailties, and cast doubt over Slot’s long-term viability at the helm.
If Slot’s men were not already in full-blown crisis mode, back-to-back defeats to Brentford in the Premier League and Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup have plunged the reigning champions into even deeper depths. The loss to Palace, in particular, was emblematic of a team bereft of direction and urgency. Fielding a side largely composed of second-string players and academy prospects, Slot’s selection was interpreted by many—including prominent Liverpool journalists—as a deliberate concession, a manager ‘sacking off’ the domestic cup in favor of preserving resources for more prestigious battles. But such decisions carry risk, and with Real Madrid looming in the Champions League, the pressure to deliver against Aston Villa has intensified exponentially. Should Liverpool falter again, the whispers of discontent may evolve into calls for change.
Currently seventh in the Premier League table, Liverpool find themselves seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal—a gap that feels both surmountable and symbolic. The recurrence of the number seven continues, as it has been 72 years since the Reds last lost five consecutive top-flight matches, a grim milestone last reached in 1953. That historical parallel underscores the gravity of the current predicament. While only one of Liverpool’s six defeats in their last seven outings has come at Anfield, the aura of invincibility that once enveloped their home ground has begun to dissipate. The fortress is crumbling, and the visitors arriving this weekend are not the timid travelers of old.
Indeed, Unai Emery’s effervescent Villa side are enjoying the best winning run in the 2025–26 Premier League season, a remarkable turnaround after a dismal start that saw them fail to score in their opening four matches. The transformation has been swift and emphatic. Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, and most recently Manchester City have all fallen victim to Villa’s resurgence. The 1-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side, sealed by a Matty Cash strike, was a statement of intent—a performance that combined tactical discipline with clinical execution. Villa now sit just one place below Liverpool, separated only by goal difference, and their momentum is undeniable.
An unexpected Europa League loss to Go Ahead Eagles in midweek may have raised eyebrows, but context matters. Emery rotated heavily for the trip to the Netherlands, prioritizing domestic form over continental progress. That decision appears vindicated, as Villa have now scored in each of their last nine matches, a stark contrast to their early-season impotence. The attacking fluidity, defensive solidity, and collective belief coursing through the squad have made them one of the most compelling stories of the season. And while history may not favor them at Anfield, recent form suggests that the tide could be turning.
Trips to the reigning champions have traditionally been a graveyard for Villa’s ambitions. They have lost each of their last 11 Premier League games away to the title holders and have won just one of their last 30 such encounters—a solitary 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in December 2009. Their record at Anfield is similarly bleak. Seven consecutive defeats, with their last victory coming in September 2014 courtesy of a Gabby Agbonlahor goal, paint a picture of sustained struggle. But football is a game of cycles, and Villa arrive in the midst of an upswing, while Liverpool are mired in decline. If ever there was a moment to rewrite the narrative, it is now.
There was, however, a glimmer of hope for Liverpool fans following the midweek debacle. Slot confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch has a strong chance of returning from his ankle injury in time for the weekend’s clash. The Dutch midfielder’s dynamism and ball-carrying ability could provide a much-needed spark in the center of the park. Less encouraging are the prospects of Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones, both nursing groin injuries with a reported 0.01% chance of featuring. Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out, while young defender Amara Nallo is suspended following his red card against Palace—a decision that, while inconsequential to the starting XI, further highlights the depth issues facing Slot.
Among the star names expected to feature, Mohamed Salah stands on the brink of history. The Egyptian talisman is just one goal or assist away from equaling Wayne Rooney’s Premier League record of 276 direct contributions for a single club. Salah’s consistency, longevity, and impact have been nothing short of extraordinary, and should he reach that milestone at Anfield, it would offer a rare moment of celebration in an otherwise turbulent period. His presence alone could tilt the balance, especially if Liverpool can rediscover the attacking rhythm that once made them the most feared side in England.
As for Aston Villa, Emery will be without Harvey Elliott, who is ineligible to face his parent club. The English midfielder was omitted from the squad that beat Manchester City, suggesting that his absence may not significantly alter Emery’s plans. More concerning is the injury to Emiliano Buendia, who limped off with a foot issue last weekend. While the problem is not deemed severe, Buendia’s creativity and link-up play will be missed. Youri Tielemans and Andres Garcia also remain sidelined, depriving Villa of depth in midfield and attack.
Buendia’s absence sets the stage for a fierce battle between Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen for a spot in the forward line. Sancho, who replaced Buendia against City, was later withdrawn due to fitness concerns rather than performance. Malen, with his pace and directness, offers a different threat, and Emery may opt for a more aggressive approach given Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. The tactical flexibility at Emery’s disposal is one of Villa’s key strengths, and his ability to adapt to the demands of each fixture has been instrumental in their recent success.
Tactically, the match promises to be a compelling contest. Liverpool’s high press and possession-based approach under Slot have come under scrutiny, particularly in light of their defensive frailties and lack of midfield control. Villa, on the other hand, have thrived in transition, exploiting spaces and punishing lapses with ruthless efficiency. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Gravenberch’s potential return offering Liverpool a chance to regain some semblance of control. For Villa, the likes of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara will be tasked with disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and launching counter-attacks.
Set-pieces could also play a decisive role. Liverpool’s vulnerability in defending corners and free-kicks has been exposed repeatedly, while Villa have shown proficiency in exploiting such situations. Matty Cash’s winner against City came from a well-worked set-piece, and Emery will no doubt have identified this as a potential avenue for success. Discipline will be another key factor—Liverpool’s recent red cards and rash challenges have cost them dearly, and in a game of fine margins, composure could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Ultimately, the clash at Anfield is more than just a battle for points—it is a litmus test for two clubs at pivotal junctures. For Liverpool, it is a chance to arrest a slide that threatens to derail their season and undermine Slot’s authority. For Aston Villa, it is an opportunity to cement their status as genuine contenders and banish the ghosts of Anfield past. The stakes are high, the narratives rich, and the outcome uncertain. But one thing is clear: the best and worst kind of fives are within reach, and by Saturday evening, history will have been made—one way or another.
