Aston Villa vs. Liverpool: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Aston Villa's challenging start to the new campaign continues with a home clash against Liverpool. The club has already faced Arsenal and Chelsea on the road, which means the Reds represent the third straight tough test right out of the gate.

The Lions deserve credit.

After surviving a relegation battle last season, the tricky start could have pushed them into a very deep hole at the outset. Instead, they scored a victory over Arsenal to earn three unexpected points and played Chelsea tough to maintain the positive vibes.

Liverpool picked up right where they left off last season, scoring a 1-0 victory over Stoke City in their opener. The Reds' defensive effort improved greatly down the stretch last term and should remain a strong foundation moving forward.

Given how both clubs have played in the early going, this should be one of the most competitive matches of the second week. Here's a look at all the key viewing information, followed by a deeper dive into some players to watch and a prediction.

Where: Villa Park in Birmingham, England

When: Saturday, Aug. 24 at 12:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. BST)

Watch: NBC and Sky Sports 1

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Chances (via Bloomberg Sports)

Liverpool: 55.3%

Aston Villa: 21.0%

Draw: 23.7%

Aston Villa Player to Watch: Brad Guzan

Guzan was finally given an opportunity as the first-choice goalkeeper at Villa Park last term, and he didn't disappoint. The American international started all but two of the club's Premier League matches, emerging as a major reason it secured another season in the top flight.

The most impressive thing about the 28-year-old keeper's start to the new campaign is his control of the box.

Arsenal and Chelsea were able to dominate the possession battle but could only generate a few good scoring chances. When they did, Guzan came up with some timely stops to help Villa contend.

Given the club's overall talent disadvantage compared to the top squads, Guzan can expect to remain busy throughout the campaign. The Lions will hope he can build off the strong start and ensure they don't endure another extended relegation battle. Liverpool is another good test.

Liverpool Player to Watch: Daniel Sturridge

From the moment Sturridge arrived to Liverpool last winter he seemed to fit in a lot better than he ever did with Chelsea. He became a focal point of the attack. The extra touches allowed him to thrive unlike his time as a secondary option with the Blues.

The English international went on to net 11 goals in 16 matches across all competitions. His goal-scoring presence was a welcome addition to a club that had certainly become overly reliant on Luis Suarez in the final third.

Sturridge opened the new campaign by scoring the game-winning goal against Stoke. He'll continue to headline the attack while Suarez finishes his leftover ban from last season.

Despite that key absence, it appears the Reds' attack is in good shape.

Key Matchup to Watch: Christian Benteke vs. Liverpool defenders

Villa have scored four goals in their first two matches of the campaign. Benteke has three of them. He hasn't missed a beat after an impressive debut season in the EPL and makes the Lions a dangerous side to play regardless of last term's results.

Any team that goes up against Villa starts the game plan by trying to figure out how they can slow down the 22-year-old striker. He possesses a terrific combination of size and finishing ability, which poses problems even for the top defenders.

Liverpool's back line didn't get seriously tested by a defensive-minded Stoke squad last week, but that's sure to change with Benteke on the pitch. How Daniel Agger and Co. will respond to the challenge will have a major impact on the outcome.

Prediction

Aston Villa 1, Liverpool 1