The football schedule for the top Premier League teams is becoming more difficult as they constantly have to play midweek matches in addition to the Premier League. As a result, teams that have to play multiple competitions at once, such as England’s Big Six, may struggle to maintain their peak performance week after week. Arsenal and Manchester City, for example, lost their last Premier League game and their last Champions League game this week.

However, one team showing no signs of slowing down is Liverpool. Despite having less depth than their rivals, the Reds have dominated in all competitions. They sit first in the Premier League and Champions League, while winning both rounds of the Carabao Cup to reach the quarter-finals. In 16 games this season, they have won 14 and drawn one. It’s safe to say that they have been one of the two best teams in Europe so far, along with Barcelona.

They are coming off an impressive 4-0 win over former club legend Xabi Alonso’s team, Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool overwhelmed the German champions in all aspects of the game, securing their third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League.

Now, the Merseyside team has returned to the domestic league to face another tough rival. Aston Villa, currently in sixth place, have been a thorn in the side of all contenders in recent years.

The Birmingham team is coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Club Brugge on Wednesday. Unai Emery’s side have also failed to win their last two Premier League games, suggesting the busy schedule may be taking its toll on Villa.

Before we go to the international break, Aston Villa will want to get back on track, but they will have an uphill battle against Arne Slot’s well-oiled machine.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Money line:

Liverpool: -215
Draw: +400
Aston Villa: +475

Total goals:

Over 3.5: +110
Less than 3.5: -140

Both teams will score:

Yes: -170
Number: +130

Spread:

Liverpool -1.5: +110
Aston Villa +1.5: -150

After a good start to the season, Aston Villa have just one win in their last five Premier League games and that was against a 10-man Fulham side. In each of their last two games, they held the lead in the second half before blowing it and settling for a draw and a loss.

Aston Villa dreams of competing for a Premier League title this season. At the very least, they want to finish in the top four to return to the Champions League. They are currently seven points behind league leaders Liverpool and another defeat could push them further towards mid-table.

Therefore, Villa’s game plan is probably to look for an equalizer. Unai Emery would be delighted to leave Anfield with a point, a feat only Nottingham Forest have been able to achieve so far this season.

When playing against stronger teams, Villa plays with a deep defensive line and allows the opponent to dominate possession. They tend to take a more cautious approach when facing teams from the Champions League and the Big Six. In this way, they were able to secure a clean sheet against teams like Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are one of the best teams when it comes to controlling the pace of games, especially at home. They take fewer risks compared to the Jürgen Klopp era, resulting in games with fewer goals. They haven’t allowed a goal in eight of their 16 games this season and lead the league in goals allowed and expected goals against.

Considering how few goals Aston Villa had against Arsenal, Man Utd and Bayern Munich, we can expect more of the same.

Liverpool are the obvious favorites, but odds of -215 against a one-game tactician like Unai Emery aren’t worth it. Betting on few goals is the move.

Choice: Under 3.5 goals -140

Odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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