Liverpool v Aston Villa: Make money in half markets

Liverpool are certainly far too short to back at 2/5 to beat Aston Villa, so looking at the half markets may be the best way to find some value at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers’ team have become far tougher to beat at home of late, conceding just once in the five Premier League games since Manchester United left with three points in September.

However, two of these five games have ended in draws and three wins in eight home games is not the type of form one would expect from such heavy favourites.

Furthermore, two of these victories were by a single goal against prime relegation candidates Reading and Southampton.

Something that combines both Liverpool and Villa is a penchant for keeping things tight in the opening 45 minutes.

Villa’s eight games on the road have seen a total of just six first-half goals, while Liverpool have six half-time clean sheets in their eight home games, but have scored just three times in these clashes.

Therefore, 1/1 looks more than a decent price that the second period is the half that sees the most goals at Anfield.

Alternatively, 11/4 is a price worthy of consideration in the HT/FT market that the scores are level at the break with Liverpool ahead by the final whistle.

Aston Villa’s big problem on the road has been a lack of goals, with no team netting fewer than their paltry four strikes.

However, with Liverpool far from convincing on their own patch, 7/1 for an away win will surely tempt some, especially if Villa build on their impressive 4-1 Capital One Cup success at Norwich in midweek.

Luis Suarez should be raring to go after missing Liverpool’s win at West Ham last time and he is the obvious option to break the deadlock at 3/1. He struck in this exact fixture last season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.