A visit to Villa Park below the lights is at all times daunting, however Wednesday evening’s conflict represents an enormous alternative for the Premier League leaders.
Liverpool nearly escaped Sunday’s bout at residence to Wolves with three factors, making certain the hole between themselves and second-place Arsenal opened again as much as seven factors. They will enter double digit territory with a win in midweek.
After Sunday’s rigidity, Arne Slot’s outfit should rediscover the managed serenity which has thrust them into such a commanding place. In any other case, the dynamic on the prime may look an entire lot totally different with fixtures towards Manchester Metropolis and Newcastle upcoming.
This is the Liverpool group Slot may choose for Wednesday’s assembly with the Villans.
GK: Alisson – If Liverpool are to say their second Premier League title, Alisson must play a serious function. The Brazilian got here up trumps on Sunday and can probably be required on a number of events at Villa Park.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Given the area Villa usually give up in behind their defence, Alexander-Arnold’s passing vary from deep might be a helpful weapon. We may additionally see the Liverpool right-back match up towards compatriot Marcus Rashford.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Slot correctly substituted Konate towards Wolves having nearly prevented a second reserving. Whereas Jarell Quansah made an important intervention in his place, Konate ought to slot again into the XI.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Whereas there is a query mark with reference to his companion, there are not any doubts as to who’ll be lining up on the left aspect of Liverpool’s defence.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – Andy Robertson has continued to battle in current weeks, and Slot may hand him extra respite by bringing Tsimikas again in for a uncommon Premier League begin.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch – The Dutchman has been excellent this season, however Villa’s direct runners from midfield will put his defensive nous to the take a look at.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Mac Allister has additionally treaded a fantastic line with the officers in current weeks, whereas cannily avoiding extreme punishment. The Argentine has an enormous function to play in all phases on Wednesday evening.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Salah scored within the reverse fixture and was at it once more from the penalty spot with what would show to be the decisive aim on Sunday. The Egyptian celebrity has discovered the web in six straight video games.
AM: Curtis Jones – There’s not going to be main rotation from the Reds boss on Wednesday evening, however Dominik Szoboszlai may do with a relaxation. Slot has Jones obtainable once more after he served his one-game suspension on the weekend.
LW: Luis Diaz – After he scored his first aim of 2025 on Sunday, Liverpool want an enormous outing from Diaz in Cody Gakpo’s absence.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Liverpool supporters are sure to be in for one more rollercoaster journey if Nunez begins up prime on Wednesday. Count on the Uruguayan to have loads of possibilities to use a probably weakened Villa defence.