Aston Villa will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday evening when they make the trip to Anfield to face Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The visit to Liverpool couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Villans as Unai Emery has seen his team concede a late equaliser to Bournemouth and then lose the next three games—the latest being Wednesday’s Champions League defeat at Club Brugge. It was their first loss in the Champions League which goes on to show how consistent Emery’s men have been this season.
The Midlands outfit have to be at their very best to beat Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who head into this fixture off the back of a 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Aston Villa Team News
Matty Cash and Ross Barkley remain the only absentees for Aston Villa. The duo are expected to return after the upcoming international break.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
One of the best goalkeepers in Europe, Emiliano Martinez should keep his place in the Villa side. The lanky Argentinean will need to be at the top of his game to keep a clean sheet at Anfield.
Defence
Changes are expected to happen at the back for the visitors.
Tyrone Mings, who gifted Club Brugge a bizarre penalty in midweek, should make way for Pau Torres in central defence in the Aston Villa lineup. Torres is likely to be partnered by Diego Carlos, with Ezri Konsa deputising for the injured Cash at right-back.
Lucas Digne will be a straight swap for Ian Maatsen at left-back.
Needless to say, Villa have to significantly improve their defending on Saturday if they are to take home a positive result from Anfield.
Midfield
Amadou Onana was an unused substitute in the defeat to Club Brugge, so he should be fresh to face Liverpool. The Belgian is certain to partner his compatriot Youri Tielemans in the double pivot in the Aston Villa lineup. The duo have to be very composed in possession and read the game well to ensure Villa don’t get overrun in midfield by the hosts.
Morgan Rogers has arguably been Villa’s best player this season and the onus will be on him to open up the rigid Liverpool defence.
Boubacar Kamara and Emi Buendia may see some action off the bench.
Attack
There is no looking past Ollie Watkins when it comes to leading the Villa attack. The England international has to do everything possible to get the better of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Watkins is expected to be flanked by John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey in the Aston Villa lineup. Operating as the wide playmakers, McGinn and Ramsey must provide service for Watkins to thrive in and around the box. The likes of Leon Bailey, Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey have the qualities to make a telling impact as substitutes.
