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Liverpool vs Aston Villa, Premier League: What time is kick-off today, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

Liverpool vs Aston Villa, Premier League: What time is kick-off today, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction? - PA
Liverpool vs Aston Villa, Premier League: What time is kick-off today, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction? - PA

What is it?

Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Anfield. It will be the first home game for Jurgen Klopp's men since being crowned Premier League champions. And Klopp will be looking for an immediate response after Thursday night's 4-0 humbling by Man City.

When is it?

Sunday, July 5.

What time is kick-off?

4.30pm.

What TV channel is it on?

Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.15pm.

Read more: How to watch Premier League free games

What is the team news?

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren remains a doubt for Sunday's visit of Aston Villa after missing Thursday's defeat to Manchester City with a knock.

With Joel Matip ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury it currently leaves manager Jurgen Klopp with just two fit centre-backs in Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri remains absent, having not played since January.

Matt Targett is out for Aston Villa after picking up a hamstring injury in last week's 1-0 home defeat to Wolves.

Ezri Konsa is battling a foot injury after suffering a knock against Wolves and has not trained this week ahead of the trip to Anfield, although boss Dean Smith is hopeful he will recover in time.

Tom Heaton and Wesley (both knee) remain out and Borja Baston has left the club after his short-term contract expired with Villa opting not to extend the striker's deal.

PA

Read more: When will Liverpool lift the trophy?

What are the latest standings?

What are they saying?

Jurgen Klopp refused to blame a title hangover after his Liverpool side were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City in their first match as champions.

The Reds endured a sobering return to action as City, the side whose Premier League crown they took last week, served a ruthless reminder of their enduring quality at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.

"It has nothing to do with last week. It hurts like defeats hurt," he said.

"What I wanted to see was who is ready to fight against Man City, who obviously had a point to prove. It was easy motivation for Pep.

"We were in the game, we were fighting, we were running. We did everything we could. Was it perfect? No. The problem is if you are not perfect and meet Man City, then you lose, and the result can be not so nice.

"If there is a team in the world that can smash us like this it is probably City, but we will come again."

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Tyrone Mings insists Villa will keep fighting despite their survival hopes suffering another heavy blow.

Leander Dendoncker's strike sunk them last Saturday as Wolves grabbed a 1-0 win at Villa Park. It means Dean Smith's side remain in the Premier League drop-zone.

"We have to believe now and we have to get through this period, continue what we've been showing so far and give more. We have a great belief in the dressing room, I don't believe for any moment we'll throw the towel in," the England defender said.

"The games are so tight, unfortunately we have come out the wrong side of it. We are working tirelessly to try to pick up the points we need. It's a very tough division, but it'll come if we stick together.

"We're at the stage of the season where we need points and there wasn't much between the teams on Saturday.

"To walk away with no points is hugely frustrating. We're fully aware we need points. There's still a huge amount of belief in the team.

"We don't want to make any excuses about not having the fans as to why we're not picking up points. Saturday was a very close game, we've adapted well."

What are the best odds?

  • Liverpool to win 4/11

  • Draw 4/1

  • Aston Villa to win 17/2

What is our prediction?

Villa go to Anfield having failed to win in their four games since the top flight returned from lockdown. And they have a daunting run-in, which includes games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are reigning English, European and World champions. Thursday's 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City may have done Villa no favours at all as Jurgen Klopp will demand a statement victory at home.

Predicted score: Liverpool 4 Aston Villa 1