Brendan Rodgers’ side got off to a winning start for the season last weekend but our tipster expects the visitors to face a tougher test this weekend

Liverpool got off to a winning start in the Premier League when they defeated Stoke City at Anfield and Brendan Rodgers’ men will look to make it back-to-back victories when they face Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Reds are priced up at 10/11 (1.91) to claim all three points from their trip to Villa Park, just as they did when these sides last met in March.

Paul Lambert’s side, though, have made an impressive start to the season, enjoying a 3-1 triumph at Emirates Stadium last weekend, and, while Villa lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek, many observers noted that the visitors were unfortunate to leave west London empty-handed.

Therefore, the chunky 3/1 (4.0) quote from Paddy Power for a home victory on Saturday may represent decent value here while the same firm offer a tempting 5/2 (3.50) that the match ends in stalemate.

Liverpool are again without talismanic striker Luis Suarez for this weekend’s clash and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that Daniel Sturridge can step up to the mark to replace the controversial Uruguayan forward.

Sturridge scored the only goal of the game in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over the Potters last weekend and is chalked up at 11/2 (6.50) to break the deadlock for the Reds on Saturday.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is available at a tempting 10/1 (11.0) to score first this weekend and the 33-year-old midfielder – who scored nine league goals for the Reds last term – is sure to prove a popular selection with punters.

Paddy Power customers can take advantage of a special offer which will see all losing first goalscorer, last goalscorer, correct score and scorecast singles refunded should Gerrard open the scoring on Saturday.

Villa’s main goal threat, of course, is Christian Benteke and it comes as little surprise to see the Belgian striker at the top of Paddy Power’s first scorer market.

The 22-year-old forward has bagged three goals in two starts for Villa already this term and is available at just 9/2 (5.50) to score first.

Benteke is a man in form and he should be backed at a chunky 11/5 (3.20) to be the first player to score for Villa when they play host to the Reds this weekend.

Liverpool’s victory over Stoke City last weekend was due in no small part to a brilliant, late penalty save from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and Villa’s impressive early-season form suggests that they can cause problems for the Reds here.

Therefore, the 5/6 (1.83) quote from Paddy Power for the home side in the double chance market is the recommended play this weekend.

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