Merson and Lawrenson Divided on Liverpool’s Chances Against Villa

In an intriguing build-up to Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa, former players Paul Merson and Mark Lawrenson have publicly voiced contrasting opinions. Liverpool, currently topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables, face a Villa side plagued by recent poor form. Yet, Merson believes Liverpool’s performances have been subpar, hinting that Aston Villa could pull off an upset. Meanwhile, Lawrenson backs the Reds to continue their successful streak, despite some inconsistencies in their early match efforts. Here’s a closer look at what both pundits are predicting and what this could mean for the weekend showdown.

Paul Merson didn’t hold back when evaluating Liverpool’s performances in recent games. Despite Liverpool’s impressive standings, Merson suggested the team is only turning up in “patches.” He pointed to Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback win over Brighton, remarking, “I saw Brighton against Liverpool and [Brighton] were actually better than Arne Slot’s men for the majority of that game.” While Liverpool emerged victorious, he attributed the win to fortune rather than outright skill.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has certainly instilled defensive resilience in his squad, with only six goals conceded across the league campaign so far. However, Merson remains skeptical, believing that Liverpool’s form isn’t convincing enough to secure a straightforward win over Villa. He further noted that if Liverpool allows the same gaps in defence as they did against Brighton, Villa’s forwards, like Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, could capitalise on the opportunity, potentially derailing Liverpool’s current unbeaten run.

He continued, “Liverpool were really fortunate to come away with a win in the last game, but I doubt they’ll have that kind of luck here. I really think Villa can cause Liverpool problems in this game.” Merson’s prediction? A 2-2 draw, citing Villa’s potential to expose Liverpool’s defensive lapses.

Liverpool’s season under Slot has been impressive on paper, with only one loss in 16 matches and an ongoing 12-game unbeaten streak. But as Merson pointed out, Liverpool have shown a tendency to only “play well in patches.” Their defensive solidity, while commendable, has sometimes been paired with struggles to maintain attacking consistency.

The recent Champions League performance against Bayer Leverkusen saw a star turn from Luis Diaz, who netted a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory. While this may suggest Liverpool are on solid footing, Merson believes the team’s attack still lacks fluidity. He predicts that Darwin Nunez, rather than Diaz, will lead the line against Villa, citing Liverpool’s need for a more physical presence up front.

“Although Luis Diaz netted a hat-trick in the Champions League, I believe Darwin Nunez will return to the starting line-up for this game. I didn’t think the first half against Leverkusen was great,” Merson added, questioning Liverpool’s attacking coherence. He described Liverpool’s form as “getting the job done” rather than exhibiting the exhilarating style fans might expect from a title-contending side.

Liverpool’s midfield composition continues to spark debate. Merson acknowledged Curtis Jones’ improvement this season but still favours Dominik Szoboszlai as the more impactful starter. Slot’s management has clearly paid dividends for Jones, who Merson believes has enhanced his tactical acumen and impact on games. Yet, the pundit sees Jones as a better option off the bench, suggesting he could bring a fresh intensity in the latter stages of the game.

“Both of them are good players. However, as a manager, I think you look at Jones and get the feeling that he can make more of an impact when coming off the bench,” Merson stated. Despite this view, Merson tipped Jones for a potential England call-up, crediting his development under Slot.

On the other hand, Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is far more confident in the Reds’ chances against Villa. Recognising Villa’s recent struggles, Lawrenson believes Liverpool’s second-half prowess could see them claim victory, even if the team finds itself trailing initially. “Liverpool have been quiet in the first half and then turning it on in the second so they might even come from behind but it will be close… Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa,” he predicted.

Villa’s form has been patchy at best, with Unai Emery’s men losing their last three league games. Defensive setbacks, including a bizarre handball incident involving Tyrone Mings in their recent European defeat, and injuries to Matty Cash and Ross Barkley, further complicate matters. Lawrenson sees these factors as potential advantages for Liverpool, suggesting the Reds’ current momentum might be too much for Villa to withstand.

As the two sides prepare for Saturday’s contest, the stage is set for a tactical battle between Slot’s Liverpool and Emery’s Villa. Merson’s concerns reflect a broader question surrounding Liverpool’s consistency. Can they maintain the solid performances needed to continue their title push, or will their “patchy” form give Villa a glimmer of hope?

For Villa, capitalising on Liverpool’s defensive gaps and making the most of Duran and Watkins’ pace will be crucial. Emery’s men may need to step up their attacking aggression to exploit Liverpool’s occasional lapses. Conversely, Slot’s tactical adaptability could offer Liverpool a chance to showcase the second-half surges that Lawrenson believes could ultimately determine the game.

As both pundits’ predictions differ, the contest promises to reveal much about Liverpool’s resilience and Villa’s ability to overcome recent hurdles. Whether Liverpool’s title ambitions are emboldened or challenged will likely hinge on how well they adapt to Villa’s pressure and sustain their early-season form.