By Premier League leaders Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Saturday, with Arne Slot’s side seeking to build on their midweek Champions League triumph while Villa aim to snap a three-game losing streak across all competitions.
The Reds enter the fixture in commanding form after a 4-0 dismantling of Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, highlighted by Luis Diaz’s hat-trick, which maintained their perfect Champions League record. Liverpool also lead the Premier League by two points following last weekend’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton.
Villa, meanwhile, arrive following a bizarre 1-0 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, where captain Tyrone Mings’ confusion over a goal kick led to a decisive penalty. The Lions sit sixth in the Premier League after a 4-1 loss to Tottenham last weekend.
Team News:
Liverpool remain without several key players through injury, including Harvey Elliott (foot), Federico Chiesa (fitness), Alisson Becker (thigh), and Diogo Jota (abdominal), none of whom will return before the international break.
Villa manager Unai Emery cannot call upon Matty Cash (calf) or Ross Barkley (unspecified), while Mings is likely to be rested following his midweek Champions League appearance as he continues recovery from an ACL injury.
Probable Lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Torres, Carlos, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins
Historical Context:
Villa’s struggles against top opposition continue to haunt them, having lost their last nine away matches against teams in the Premier League’s top two. Their winless run against Liverpool extends to eight matches across all competitions, though it includes May’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Villa Park.
The match kicks off at 5:30 p.m. local time (12:30 p.m. ET) at Anfield, where Liverpool have won six straight home games in all competitions, scoring at least twice in each victory.
