A lot of Villa fans will be looking at Friday night’s match against Liverpool and feeling slightly worried.
Our recent league form and performances haven’t been the best. We’ve looked flat at times, and there have been quite a few moments where we simply haven’t been good enough.
But if there’s one thing Villa have consistently shown over the last couple of years, it’s the ability to rise when the occasion demands it.
And make no mistake about it, Villa Park under the lights against Liverpool, is that massive occasion.
When people talk about a favourite for a match, they usually focus on overall league form, league position, or squad depth. But football can also follow particular patterns.
Looking back at the last eight meetings at Villa Park, the record is a lot stronger than many probably realise.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Aston Villa | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 21 | 15 | +6 | 11 |
| Liverpool | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 21 | -6 | 11 |
That table tells an interesting story.
The points are level. The wins are level. But Villa have scored six more goals overall and hold a significantly better goal difference across those meetings.
And this isn’t built off narrow, fortunate victories either.
Liverpool know coming to Villa Park will be difficult. There was the 7-2 demolition that nobody in football will ever forget. And what about the 5-0 cup win in December 2019. There was the 2-1 victory after we got promoted. Even in the draws we have shown that we can toe-to-toe with Liverpool offensively.
What also encourages me is that Villa can often produce a magical performance when people begin to doubt us. We’ve seen it repeatedly in big matches. When the intensity rises, the crowd lifts, the atmosphere is generated, and the team tend to respond. Just ask Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Nottingham Forest.
Could Friday night be one of those occasions?
There are no guarantees. Liverpool are a good side with match-winning players, and Villa’s recent league form gives the Villa faithful every right to be concerned.
A major factor, however, will depend on Emery’s team selection, so let’s hope he gets it right with a side capable of winning.
But if we’re talking about who should genuinely feel confident heading into this game, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say Aston Villa should. My mini league table bears that out. UTV