Anfield plays host to a mouthwatering stylistic clash on Sunday as Liverpool's possession play faces the acid test against Aston Villa's ruthless counterattacking.

The Reds are finding their rhythm after a slow start, coming from behind to beat Newcastle in dramatic fashion last time out. But Villa arrived in scintillating form, hammering Everton to make it back-to-back wins.

This sets up an intriguing contest between Klopp's measured buildup and Emery's breakneck counters. Liverpool will look to dictate through the likes of Thiago and Elliott in midfield. But Villa carried serious pace on the break with the electric front three of Watkins, Buendía, and Diaby.

Klopp has selection dilemmas in defense and attack after injuries and Van Dijk's suspension. But with in-form playmaker Coutinho facing his former club, Villa won't make life easy for the shaken Reds rear guard.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

The match will take place on Sunday, 3rd September, 2023, at Anfield, in Anfield, Liverpool, England.

Red Redemption - Supersubs Spark Epic Comeback Against Toon

Liverpool snatched an improbable victory from the jaws of defeat against Newcastle thanks to a pair of lethal finishers off the bench.

Just when the 10-man Reds seemed doomed at 1-0 down, manager Jurgen Klopp played his ace up the sleeve. Enter Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.

The cavalry arrived just in time to spare Liverpool from what seemed an inevitable defeat after going down to 10 men.

Virgil van Dijk saw red after just 28 minutes to leave the Reds rocking at St James' Park. To make matters worse, Liverpool fell behind shortly after to a clinical Anthony Gordon finish.

With veins bulging and faces like thunder, manager Klopp had to reshuffle his pack. The German wasn't happy with the ref, but took decisive action as his master plan hatched.

The early withdrawal of Luis Diaz for defender Joe Gomez highlighted Liverpool's plight. Klopp prioritized protection over attack with his side undermanned.

As the clock ticked down the action was end to end like a basketball game. Liverpool were clinging on, riding their luck amid waves of black and white attacks.

Klopp played his final gamble, throwing on Nunez and Jota to pounce on any half chances. The shakeup paid instant dividends, turning the game on its head.

First Nunez wriggled through Newcastle's tiring defense to slot home a vital equalizer. St James' Park fell silent as fans sensed an epic comeback.

Then in stoppage time, Nunez struck the knockout blow. Racing clear again, he finished with aplomb to seal a great escape.

Klopp wheeled away in delirium at a win snatched from the abyss thanks to his inspired substitutions. After the match, he couldn't resist an alpha male chest-beating celebration.

While the win felt undeserved, this rollercoaster contest highlighted Liverpool's resilience and game-changing options from the bench.

Klopp won't make a habit of it, but his role of dice paid off to keep Liverpool fighting at the top early doors.

Villains Run Riot as Gasping Clarets Feast on Humble Pie

Aston Villa turned on the style to sweep aside Burnley 3-1 for their second straight Premier League win. The rampant Villains left the Clarets in disarray with a swaggering display on the road.

After being humbled on the opening day, boss Unai Emery has flipped the script at Villa Park. Out has gone the cautious, pragmatic approach. In has come a swashbuckling style to get bums off seats.

At Turf Moor, Villa played like a team transformed. They zipped passes around with panache and tore into Burnley right from the off.

The visitors took the lead inside 10 minutes thanks to marauding fullback Matty Cash. His early strike knocked the stuffing out of Burnley and opened the floodgates.

Villa were purring as Cash doubled his tally midway through the first half. A silky team move was finished in style by the defender who looked like Peak Cafu.

By the break, Villa were cruising and Burnley were utterly shell shocked. Chants of "We want five" rang out from the gleeful away end as the hosts chased shadows.

Burnley were much improved after the interval and pulled one back through new boy Lyle Foster. But just as the Clarets built up a head of steam, Villa slammed the door shut.

That man Cash turned provider, teeing up electric winger Moussa Diaby to restore Villa's two goal cushion on the hour mark.

From then on, it was cruise control for the Villains. Summer signing Diego Carlos marshaled the backline on his return from injury as Villa constantly threatened more goals.

The smiling Emery applauded the traveling fans after the final whistle as Villa made it back-to-back wins.

While cautioning it's still early, the signs suggest Emery has given Villa a new lease of life. With players like Diaby and Philippe Coutinho, Villa possess game-changers capable of lighting up any game.

On this evidence, Villa are emerging as top four dark horses. Their newfound confidence and style could take them far this term.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Predicted Lineup: Alisson Becker, Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Luis Díaz, Diego Jota, Mohamed Salah

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup: Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Digne, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash, Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins

Key Battles

• Matip vs Watkins - Matip's pace faces a stern test against Watkins' speed. It would be an intriguing contest as Matip often tries to make runs on his own towards the attacking third.

• Thiago vs Luiz - Midfield technician takes on Villa's tenacious terrier. The midfield is owned by Thiago when he gets on the field and how he would come against Douglas Luiz is a mouthwatering contest to watch.

• Robertson vs Buendía - Battle on the flank between craft and direct dribbling. Roberton would try to cut through the defense and Buendia walks in as a straight threat for him.