Aston Villa look to build winning momentum ahead of Wednesday night's clash against Liverpool at Villa Park. This one poses to be extremely fascinating, considering Arne Slot's aims of winning the Premier League in his first season as manager of the visitors.
It will be no easy route to three points for either side, with the Villans also in need of a statement win after the incomings of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford. Unai Emery's side drew 1-1 to Ipswich in their last Premier League outing, with the Spaniard stating his side 'struggled' to impose themselves.
Now, they face a huge test against a team in Liverpool who will be looking to continue their winning ways after beating Wolves at the weekend.
Last time both sides met, the Reds won two-nil in a end-to-end encounter. Let's hope for more of the same again.
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Excitement for challenge up against Liverpool
The Reds, who currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, will present a formidable challenge, but Emery is relishing the occasion.
“We are excited, how we will face them tomorrow,” he said. “Now, Liverpool, they are the best team in Premier League, they are the best team in Europe and of course being very difficult.”
The Villa boss spoke about the need for his team to impose themselves against the visitors. “Our challenge tomorrow is how we can face them, how we can respond with our qualities against them, how we can play in this level trying to get confidence for ourselves,” he continued.
Emery also hopes to create a special atmosphere at Villa Park, adding: “Hopefully we can share tomorrow an exciting moment with our supporters in Villa Park.”
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Lessons learnt from Ipswich draw
Villa were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw against Ipswich at the weekend, despite dominating large spells of the game. Emery reflected on the result and how his team must use it as a learning experience.
“The last match we played at home against Ipswich Town, we faced one team, they were resilient and defended well,” he said. “We have the opportunity as well to take information after that match. Tomorrow is going to be difficult, different.”
The Spaniard was quick to acknowledge that breaking down deep-lying teams has been a challenge but is confident in Villa’s ability to improve. “We had enough chances on Saturday to win against Ipswich, we had more corners offensively than normal, we avoided as well, a lot of their attacking moments, but of course it was not enough.”
However, Emery believes his team is heading in the right direction: “I think of course we are excited, because we’re performing overall in the right direction, but we know we need more points in case we will want to achieve the biggest demand, objective we can have in the Premier League, it’s to be in the Champions League.”
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On importance of Tyrone Mings
Mings returned to action in the draw against Ipswich after a spell on the sidelines, and Emery stressed how vital he is to the team.
“Tyrone Mings is a very important player. After last year, his long injury, his comeback has been very good, performing very well,” he said. “Of course, he is a very important player for us as he is one of the captains. He is a leader as well in the defensive line.”
With another huge test ahead against a high-pressing side in Liverpool, Emery is expecting Mings to play a big role. “For tomorrow, of course, we will need him being available and playing and getting his best performances,” he added.
The Villa boss also praised Mings’ leadership qualities, saying his commitment with Aston Villa is "really very, very high."
"In the dressing room, on the field, and tomorrow, hopefully as well, he can play helping us to get the victory.”
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Dealing with the fixture schedule
With a congested fixture list, Emery is aware of the physical demands on his squad and emphasised the need for careful preparation.
“We are going to prepare each match, good rest, good food, sleep well and play each match with the players feeling as better as possible in everything,” he explained.
He also spoke about the importance of squad rotation and keeping players fresh. “I have to try to be demanding [of] myself as well, to use and to choose the players for each match, trying to get our structure strong.
"But as well, try to protect some players in case they can have some small pain or getting tired, to try to identify it.”
Villa will need to go into the game fully focused, with Emery saying: “We are going to try to play tomorrow and focus for tomorrow, and hopefully we can play with full energy and 100%.”
With a tough test against the league leaders ahead, Emery is ensuring his side is as prepared as possible as they look to cause a dent in Liverpool's title hopes.
