EPL stats preview: Matchweek 2 - Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Matthew Lowton of Aston Villa is challenged by Philippe Coutinho (R) of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park on March 31, 2013 in Birmingham

Paul Lambert’s youthful Aston Villa side looks a totally different outfit this season to the one struggling with relegation last season.

Their game against Liverpool will complete a tough opening fixture list, having already played Arsenal and Chelsea away.

Villa defeated the Merseyside club 3-1 at Anfield in the corresponding fixture last season.

Christian Benteke was the star with two goals that day and has carried his goal scoring form into the new season by scoring three goals in his last two games.

On the other hand, Liverpool started the campaign with a 1-0 win over Stoke City thanks to a first-half strike by Daniel Sturridge. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to build on the momentum for Liverpool.

Let’s have a look at what stats have to offer for Aston Villa vs Liverpool

- Liverpool are striving to win their opening two Premier League games for the first time in five years.

- Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League.

- Liverpool are undefeated in 14 of their last 15 away matches against Aston Villa in all competitions.

- Daniel Sturridge has scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

- Steven Gerrard, with 11 goals, has scored more Premier League goals against Aston Villa than against any other side.

- Aston Villa have only won six of their last 32 league matches at Villa Park.

- It’s a club record 24 matches since Paul Lambert’s side last kept a clean sheet in Premier League. That match was at home to Stoke City in December 2012.

- Villa have conceded a goal in each of their last 11 league matches at Villa Park.

- Christian Benteke has scored an unrivalled 17 Premier League goals in 2013.