Liverpool must end losing streak against relentless Aston Villa | OneFootball

Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa at Anfield could determine whether Liverpool can steady the ship or sink deeper into crisis.

The Reds have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, a run that has exposed cracks in both defence and confidence.

Their midweek League Cup exit to Crystal Palace only worsened the mood around Anfield and raised further questions about manager Arne Slot’s approach.

Slot’s decision to rest most of his senior players ahead of a crucial week backfired badly. Palace capitalised with two first-half goals from Ismaila Sarr before Yeremy Pino added a late third.

The result followed a 3-2 Premier League loss at Brentford, meaning Liverpool are enduring their worst spell since the Dutchman arrived.

They are seven points behind the leaders, Arsenal, in the Premier League. Another defeat on Saturday would mark the first time that Liverpool have lost five consecutive Premier League games.

Even Anfield’s aura offers little comfort, with the champions struggling for control and conviction on home turf.

By contrast, Villa are in relentless form. Unai Emery’s side have won four straight league matches, toppling Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Villa’s resurgence has lifted them to eighth, level on points with Liverpool but separated by goal difference.

Emery’s team have scored in each of their last nine games after starting the campaign with four straight blanks.

Their pressing, movement and composure in transition have been decisive, making them one of the most balanced sides in the division.

History is not on Villa’s side. They have lost 11 consecutive Premier League away games at Liverpool and have not won there since a 1-0 victory in 2014.

With fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming, Slot’s men need to rediscover the control and aggression that once defined them.

A response is essential this weekend – not just to stop the slide, but to prove that their fall from grace is not becoming irreversible.