Predicted Liverpool XI to face Aston Villa in the Premier League
Having edged past Arsenal 5-4 in a penalty-shootout thriller on Wednesday night to book their place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, Liverpool turn their attention back to the Premier League with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently six points clear of defending champions Manchester City atop the standings and they will have a good chance to stretch their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 11 games this weekend.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa also progressed through to the last eight of the EFL Cup with a 2-1 victory over rivals Wolves but they could face another stern test in the Premier League after losing 3-0 to Man City last week.
Team News
Jurgen Klopp is expected to make multiple changes to the eleven that played against Arsenal in the EFL Cup, with several academy starlets expected to make way for some of the more familiar faces.
Joel Matip (knee), Xherdan Shaqiri (calf) and Nathaniel Clyne (knee) are all ruled out while Naby Keita is also unlikely to play a part after suffering an injury against Arsenal on Wednesday.
Mo Salah has a slight issue with his ankle but he is expected to feature in the playing eleven on Saturday.
Predicted XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Alisson (GK)
Caiomin Kelleher put in a brilliant shift between the sticks in the cup tie but the Brazilian has always been the undisputed first-choice for the Reds.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Milner played at left-back against Arsenal but the Scotsman has been one of the first names on Klopp’s team sheet for a long time and he will definitely return to the eleven at the weekend.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
One of the best in the world in his position, the Dutchman is a sure starter at the back for the European champions week in, week out.
Joe Gomez (CB)
He wasn’t particularly impressive on Wednesday but the injury to Matip should open the door for him to get an extended run in the playing eleven and possibly allow him to reclaim his spot at the back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The academy graduate has looked a tad shaky defensively at times but he has been quite brilliant with his crossing further up the pitch.
Fabinho (CDM)
An indispensable component of Liverpool’s midfield, there is no way the Brazilian is going to miss out on the trip to Villa Park at the weekend.
Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)
The Dutchman has started each of the Reds’ first ten games in the Premier League this season and he should be fresh and ready to go after being rested for the EFL Cup fixture.
Jordan Henderson (RCM)
The England international might not have chipped in with too many goal contributions but he is still very much key to the smooth functioning of Klopp’s 4-3-3 system.
Sadio Mane (LW)
The Senegalese international has already bagged 7 goals in all competitions for the Reds so far and he will be keen to add to his tally against Aston Villa.
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Roberto Firmino (ST)
The Brazilian continues to be an influential presence up top with his guile and craft and Villa are likely to have their work cut out in thwarting his advances.
Mo Salah (RW)
The Egyptian wizard already boasts of 5 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League and Liverpool will be hoping for him to fire on all cylinders against Villa.
