Liverpool v Aston Villa preview: H2H record, team news and everything you need to know as Steven Gerrard returns to Anfield

Aston Villa will look to continue their rich vein of form as late, as the travel to title-chasers Liverpool.

The club have had a massive up-turn in fortune since they sacked Dean Smith and swiftly replaced him with ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

The club were on a five game losing streak under Smith, who managed the team for the last time in an uninspiring loss away at Southampton, where an early Adam Armstrong strike was enough on bonfire night.

Since Smith was let go, Villa have won 3 of their last 4, with the only defeat being a narrow loss to reigning champions Manchester City.

The last game out saw them come from behind to see off struggling Leicester City, as Gerrard got one over on his former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Ezri Konsa cancelled out Harvey Barnes’ opener, before rising highest to also score the winner.

Gerrard has no fresh injuries concerns ahead of his sides trip to his old stomping ground. His team remain without summer signing Danny Ings, which means that Ollie Watkins will once again lead the line. Last years Players Player of the Season Matt Targett was also absent for the win against Leicester, with Ashley Young slotting into a slightly unfamiliar role at left back, but produced a fine performance.

The energy of John McGinn will be needed against Liverpool, who themselves can boast a fully fit squad.

Date, kick off time and venue

The date of the match is this Saturday, with the kick off time at 3pm. The game will be played at Anfield, and due to the kick off time, the game will not be broadcast in the UK, but can be watched for Sky customers on the free Sky Sports Score Centre app, as well as key highlights being shown and analysed on Match Of The Day, which airs on BBC One, Saturday night.

Head to Head history

Liverpool wins: 98

Draws: 40

Aston Villa wins: 59

This is probably a game that a few weeks ago Villa fans would have dreaded, but a change of the man in charge at the helm, with Gerrard bringing some personnel members such as Gary McAllister from Rangers with him have seen Villa turn around their woeful form, and also play better football.