Alan Shearer and Paul Merson on same page over worrying Aston Villa vs Liverpool prediction

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCAston Villa hosts Liverpool at Villa Park in the penultimate weekend of fixtures, with top pundits in agreement over the outcome as both sides aim for a top-five finishPaul Merson and Alan Shearer predict the same outcome for Villa vs Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool could seal qualification for next season’s Champions League this evening when the Reds face Aston Villa in its penultimate Premier League fixture of the campaign.Both sides head into the clash level on points and in strong contention for a top-five finish, with Villa also still able to secure European qualification via the Europa League, should it beat Frieburg in Wednesday's final.Victory for either team would guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition, while any dropped points could leave qualification hanging until the final day, which is an outcome Arne Slot and his squad will be keen to avoid. Liverpool could also be missing nine players for the trip to Villa Park.

Here, Liverpool.com gathers those predictions...READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Bradley Barcola latest as Chelsea target Xabi AlonsoREAD MORE: Xabi Alonso response to Chelsea approach emerges after Arne Slot statement on Liverpool futureAlan Shearer — Villa winShearer has raised concerns over Liverpool’s defensive form, with some suggesting they remain vulnerable at the back heading into key fixtures.He also described the next few weeks as pivotal for Unai Emery's side in its bid for European success."It’s a tough couple of weeks, but it could be a brilliant couple of weeks for Villa if they go on and win the Europa League final, and get into the Champions League," said Shearer.Alan Shearer predicts a win for Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)"And again, Liverpool are defensively really poor still. In terms of Champions League qualification, it doesn't get any better than this game!"I do think this is a very winnable game for Aston Villa.

Should they rest some players for the final?"What if they lose to Liverpool after playing a weakened team and then face another defeat in the final?"Then Villa are at serious risk of missing out on Champions League football, despite having two routes to get there."I don't think Liverpool have been playing well. So I'm backing Villa to get the win here, especially since they are at home."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAston Villa FCPremier LeagueChampions LeaguePaul MersonAlan Shearer