Football Tips: Thommo's 3 best for Liverpool v Aston Villa & Gerrard return

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Paddy Power ambassador Phil Thompson is looking forward to the return of Reds hero Steven Gerrard to Anfield in his new capacity as Aston Villa boss. The former midfielder brings his new side to a face his old one at 3pm on Saturday.

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He’s had a good start, winning three of his four games at Villa but there’s few tougher tasks in world football than a trip to Liverpool. Here’s our Liverpool legend assessing the chances of another’s against their former club. It’s time for Thommo’s Liverpool v Aston Villa tips.

Saturday 3pm: Liverpool v Aston Villa

Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield will add a bit of spice to the game. I can remember them giving us a lesson early in the season last year, 7-2. Virgil van Dijk was playing at the back that day with Joe Gomez but we did win the return 2-1 at Anfield.

Villa are playing well under Stevie Gerrard, they’ve just lost one game and have three out of four wins. Their loss was against Manchester City, but only just, 2-1. They’ve won just two out of their last seven away games, you wonder if they’re as good on the road?

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Yes, Steven Gerrard’s been very good but this is Liverpool. They’ve the most clean sheets in the Premier League with nine, they’ve lost only one of their last 32 in all competitions so they are flying. The West Ham game was their only defeat in their last 25 Premier League games as well.

Sadio Mane has scored eight goals against Aston Villa. He has a wonderful record against Crystal Palace, and Villa are second in that line. I do fancy Liverpool to Win. I do think Liverpool will Win to Nil and I’ve gone for Sadio Mane to Score Anytime.