A big game in the race for Champions League football takes place in the Midlands this week as Aston Villa take on Liverpool in the Premier League.
Villa enter the game 5th in the league with 59 points from 36 games. An excellent season for the Midlands club is coming to a head with crucial games both domestically and in Europe.
They're still not mathematically assured of a top five finish, and given they're facing top five rivals Liverpool they have a huge chance to cement their place in next season's Champions League.
Their recent form, though, is not particularly convincing, with just two wins from their last six games. Their form at Villa Park is much more assured, however, with five wins from their last six outings.
Villa stumbled to a 2-2 draw away at Burnley at the weekend, where a rejuvenated Ollie Watkins scored his eight goal in his last ten appearances for the club.
Four of their last six games have seen over 2.5 goals scored, making Unai Emery's side a consistently entertaining viewing experience.
The side may have one eye on the Europa League final in Istanbul the following Wednesday but they can't let that get in the way of their performance here.
Unlike Villa, Liverpool's season has been one to forget as they limp over the line towards a top five finish.
The Reds' title defence has been shoddy, and pressure on manager Arne Slot is palpable with rumours of Xabi Alonso taking his place swirling.
Form-wise, the Reds have been up-and-down. In their last six games, they've won three, drawn one and lost two. At the weekend, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea in a performance that drew much ire from the crowd.
Three of Liverpool's last four games have seen over 2.5 goals scored, while all of their last four outings have seen BTTS occur.
Ultimately, these two sides have been unconvincing in the league of late, and with both of the last two clashes between the sides at Villa Park ending in high scoring draws, we're backing the same to happen here.
Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool
