“Tough for any team to play Champions League and then perform at the weekend” - Alan Shearer predicts winner of Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool to defeat Aston Villa in their upcoming Premier League clash. The two sides are set to face off under the lights at Anfield on Saturday night (November 9).

Arne Slot and Co. have been sensational this season. They are currently at the top of the league standings with 25 points from 10 games. The Reds could extend their lead over second-placed Manchester City to five points, should the Cityzens lose this weekend. In addition, they are also at the summit of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) standings with 12 points from four games, having defeated Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 midweek.

On the other hand, Aston Villa have also impressed this season and are in sixth place with 18 points. However, they have lost their last two games across competitions with a 4-1 loss against Tottenham Hotspur and a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge in the UCL.

Shearer made his prediction, writing (via METRO):

"Both sides were of course in Champions League action earlier in the week, but Liverpool have an extra day’s rest and were at home. It’s tough for any team to play in the Champions League and then perform at the weekend with the same energy, and Villa come here after an away defeat in Brugge."

He added:

"Liverpool are back at home here, and I think they’ll have enough to beat Aston Villa to remain top of the table going into the international break."

The Reds will be firm favorites to seal all three points against Unai Emery's side. They have won five out of their last six home games against Villa, drawing the other.

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"It doesn’t quite work for him" - Alan Shearer highlights Liverpool star Darwin Nunez's 'glaring' issue; offers advice on how to improve

Alan Shearer believes Darwin Nunez's finishing needs to be a lot better for him to reach the next level at Liverpool. He also urged the Uruguay international to practise more and undergo finishing drills to become a natural finisher.

Nunez struggled at the start of the season, with Arne Slot preferring Diogo Jota as his first-choice striker. However, a rib injury to the latter has led to Nunez leading the line for the Reds in recent games. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to find the back of the net on a consistent basis, scoring two goals in 13 appearances across competitions.

Shearer stated (via Rousing the Kop):

“The one obvious, glaring thing: his finishing should be a lot better.He gets into so many good positions, his running ability is excellent, but when he has time to think, it doesn’t quite work for him. When it’s instant and instinctive, it does. He scored two great goals late on against Newcastle last season, so it’s in there, but it isn’t reliable or consistent.”

He added:

“There’s only one way to change that, and that’s practice, practice and practice. I would have him doing every finishing drill going every day so it becomes natural. I did it."

Nunez has shown promise in his Liverpool tenure to date, garnering 35 goals and 19 assists in 109 appearances across competitions.