December 25, 2024
Seven points separate Premier League leaders Liverpool and sixth-position Aston Villa will be going into Saturday’s clash at Anfield.
Aston Villa historically struggled against Liverpool, though they last shocked the Reds with a 7-2 win in 2020 under Jürgen Klopp.
This time, the atmosphere at Anfield will be different. Not only will it be a full crowd, but the game has a late kick-off in a week when Anfield’s atmosphere has been a talking point.
Villa have managed only one point at Anfield in six tries since their last victory there in fall 2014. They will enter this game on a three-game losing streak. They lost midweek in the Champions League to Club Brugge, which means they’ve traveled and had one day less to prepare.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have proven to be a strong second-half team lately. Villa’s defense has been shaky this season, with their last clean sheet against weaker opposition in October. In attack, Ollie Watkins is always a threat, and Morgan Rogers is another player Liverpool will need to watch.
On the injury front, Villa’s list is short, with only Ross Barkley and Matty Cash questionable to play. Liverpool’s injury list is unchanged. Though manager Arne Slot hinted that Diogo Jota may return after the international break.
Slot will have choices to make across the lineup. Left-back minutes could go to either Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas. In midfield, he might start either Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister.
Up front, he recently used Luis Díaz centrally against Bayer Leverkusen but may go back to playing him or Cody Gakpo on the left wing. Overall, Slot has an in-form squad.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Díaz; Núñez
Predicted Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Martinez; Konsa, Torres, Carlos, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.
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