Premier League GW11 Preview: Aston Villa to Turn Around Recent Embarrassments?

Welcome back to the weekly Premier League Preview where I'll be picking out 3 enticing matches to keep an eye out for in the upcoming set of fixtures. Read on to find out my pickings for this weekend, you'll definitely want to read it!

The Meaty One:

Liverpool vs Aston Villa - 8pm KO, Sat 09/11

Following 3 losses in a row in all competitions, Aston Villa will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend. However, a trip to league leaders Liverpool will not be easy, perhaps the worst fixture to have in the league based on current form.

The Villains have been mostly flawless this season yet the last 3 matches suggest that playing on three different frontiers is beginning to take its toll. Against Club Brugge, Villa were outmatched by an energetic Belgian side who took the game to the Birmingham based side. Tyrone Mings' moment of madness, picking up the ball following a goal-kick being taken, resulted in a penalty conversion, sealing all 3 points for a dominant Brugge side.

The key trend for Villa midweek and in their devastating 4-1 loss to Spurs was the distinct lack of energy. Watching the Spurs game, I was very surprised Villa were not taking the game to Spurs, particularly with our high line. On transition, The Villains were lethargic, only scoring from a scrappy corner. Unai Emery will be eager to quickly change his jaded side and restore the ferocity and pace that football fans have become accustomed to under the Spaniard.

Contrastingly, Liverpool continue to sit on cloud nine. Top of the league with only 1 loss, undefeated in the Champions League, Slot continues to be a shrewd appointment at Anfield. They smashed prior potential candidate Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in a superb win for The Scousers. Following their fortunate win over Brighton on the weekend, this result cemented their status as one of the world's best teams right now.

I struggle to see Villa causing an upset here. If Unai Emery adopts the same approach he did against Spurs, Liverpool could easily turn them over. Arne Slot thrives on control, thus Villa need to bring the frenetic energy to overwhelm Liverpool, especially away from home. Yet, The Reds are just so good at home. The fans will be spurring them on to rack up the goals against The Villains on Saturday night. Specially as City are beginning to slip up in their 'mini-crisis', this is a prime opportunity for Liverpool to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Jack's Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa

The Goals Fest:

Spurs vs Ipswich - 2pm KO, Sun 10/11

Writing before the Galatasaray game, Spurs are currently in an excellent purple patch, following victories over notable opponents Aston Villa and Manchester City. The appalling performance in their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace appears to have done something to kickstart the Spurs team.

As a fan who has been crying out for a long-term project for ages since our terrible short-term approach of appointing managers to deliver silverware, of which none were delivered, I was surprised by some fans being critical of Ange Postecoglou. I agree, Big Ange is sometimes too loyal to his tactics, failing to alter his approach, but what he has brought is a sense of identity. Now, when I tune in to watch my beloved team, I'm expecting excitement, not always in our favour, but a far better spectacle than in previous years.

However, Ange has been beginning to reluctantly change his tactics in key moments in games. For instance, opting for Sarr's ball recovery and pressing over James Maddison's creativity has helped Spurs become better at controlling matches, utilising one attacking 8 in Kulusevski. The balance of Kulusevski, Sarr and Bentancur/Bissouma in the midfield is exceptional. Thus, Ange CAN change his tactics and philosophy when he wants to, but he'll always ensure to play with identity.

Against Ipswich, The Australian will likely bring Maddison back into the side, in a game where we will dominate the ball. Ipswich have been rather toothless this season in attack, opting for a more pragmatic approach. Therefore, Maddison and Kulusevski will both be needed to break down Ipswich's tough back line.

Conversely, Ipswich continue their winless run in the Premier League, conceding a stoppage time equaliser to relegation rivals Leicester last weekend. A frustrating result for The Tractor Boys in what could've been a vital 3 points. It's been a tough start for Kieran McKenna's men in what has been a tricky opening run of fixtures. Yet, failing to win vital games such as against Southampton, Leicester, Everton and West Ham may come back to haunt them come the end of the season.

I can only see Spurs thumping Ipswich, especially with the manner in which Ed Sheeran's boys have been defending so far this season. With the worst xGC of the league (xGC 23.08) against the league's highest xG performers (xG 20.13), The Lilywhites will be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of Ipswich visiting. To be fair, knowing my luck as a Spurs fan, they'll probably find a way to nick a draw or beat us 0-1!

Jack's Prediction Spurs 4-0 Ipswich

The Six-Pointer:

Wolves vs Southampton - 3pm KO, Sat 09/11

19th vs 20th in the league? That screams a massive 6-pointer! Can Wolves or Southampton seize on the opportunity this weekend to potentially get closer to leaving the red zone?

Wolves come into the game with 2 draws in their last 2, one positive and one negative. The latter draw, against Crystal Palace would've been extremely frustrating for Wolves. After going a goal down to then 2-1 up, conceding an equaliser would've been painful for Gary O'Neill.

Wolves displayed moments of class in attack, but were also lacking the final finish or final pass to finish a move. Last game, Matheus Cunha was visibly enraged by Ait-Nouri's ball hogging or Sarabia's poor finishing. Yet, against Southampton, Wolves know they cannot be wasteful, desperately needing the 3 points.

Southampton clung on to a vital 3 points last weekend in a 1-0 victory over Everton. Hearts nearly sank as Beto equalised in the dying minutes before his goal was ruled out for offside. The Saints, despite dominating possession, rode their luck as Everton missed decent opportunities on the counterattack or through turnovers.

Russell Martin should be aware of Wolves' tenacity to win the ball back and turn it over to punish on direct transitions. Yet, if The Saints can bait Wolves into the press, they may find much joy playing around them, particularly if they can finish their chances. Wolves will be eager to seize the ball in Southampton's defensive third. I could see this game being quite exciting with lots of chances. Victory will be the objective of both camps by any means, who it falls to will be intriguing.

Jack's Prediction: Wolves 2-2 Southampton