Liverpool will be hoping to make it three straight wins in the Premier League against Aston Villa today following last weekend’s victory at Newcastle. It will certainly be another tough test for the Reds, though, given that only Manchester City have picked up more points than Villa in 2023.
Express Sport takes a look at how Liverpool could line up against Unai Emery’s side at Anfield today.
Goalkeeper – Alisson
There will be no surprises between the sticks for Liverpool, with Alisson Becker set to take up his usual position. He was absent for Villa’s most recent victory over the Reds, which came in the form of a 7-2 thrashing back in 2020, but he will almost certainly be in goal this time around.
Alisson has conceded three goals in as many Premier League matches this season and will be looking to register his first clean sheet of the campaign today.
Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson
Liverpool will be without Virgil van Dijk against Villa after he was sent off last weekend, with the Dutchman facing the possibility of having his ban extended after being charged with ‘improper conduct’. His absence will likely see Joe Gomez, who has not started a Premier League game at Anfield since February, drafted in to partner Joel Matip at the heart of defence.
It will be business as usual in the full-back positions, though, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson set to start in their usual roles.
Midfield – Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai
Jurgen Klopp could name an unchanged midfield trio for the visit of Villa, with Wataru Endo staying in the side to provide some much-needed balance in the engine room. He will be partnered by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who will once again be tasked with managing the transition from defence to attack.
There will be no place in the matchday squad for new signing Ryan Gravenberch due to red tape, with the 21-year-old having not been registered in time following his deadline-day move from Bayern Munich.
