Liverpool vs Aston Villa PreviewKey absences for essential Premier League check
Liverpool strategy tonight’s Premier League assembly with Aston Villa aiming to reply with authority after latest setbacks. But the squad scenario provides complexity for Arne Slot, who confirmed in his pre match press duties that Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are “99.9 per cent positive” to overlook out. The hosts, nonetheless pursuing rhythm and consistency because the season unfolds, should once more adapt with out key figures.
Commercial
Isak’s document transfer to Liverpool late within the window fuelled important optimism throughout Anfield, however his early spell has been interrupted by health problems. The striker was withdrawn in opposition to Eintracht Frankfurt with a groin concern and now faces a 3rd consecutive absence. Jones, in the meantime, departed through the second half of final weekend’s 3-2 loss to Brentford, compounding choice frustration.
With Alisson Becker persevering with to get well from a hamstring harm, and Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni additionally unavailable, depth turns into an element as soon as extra. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was rested for midweek duties, is about to return in objective.
Return to acquainted construction anticipated
Slot briefly moved away from his most popular arrange in midweek, opting to reflect Crystal Palace’s again three. Nonetheless, the coach minimised its significance, remarking “I wouldn’t see an excessive amount of into that”. A well-known again 4 is due to this fact anticipated, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate anticipated to return to central defence after a deliberate relaxation.
Photograph IMAGO
Commercial
Joe Gomez stays an possibility on the again ought to Liverpool select to strengthen defensive self-discipline, notably with clear sheets proving scarce because the 1-0 win over Burnley in September. On the other flank, Milos Kerkez gives power and ahead impetus.
A notice of optimism arrives by way of Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder has resumed full coaching after a twisted ankle sustained within the 2-1 defeat in opposition to Manchester United at Anfield, and if handed match, he competes with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz for 3 midfield roles.
Ahead line settled
Liverpool’s attacking construction is predicted to stay unchanged from the defeat at Brentford.
Commercial
Cody Gakpo helps from the left, whereas Hugo Ekitike provides motion throughout the road. Wirtz is pushing to begin, including further inventive dimension between midfield and assault.
Predicted Liverpool lineup
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
Injured: Alisson, Frimpong, Leoni
Doubts: Gravenberch, Isak, Jones
Suspended: Nallo
Kick off: 8pm GMT, Saturday 1 November 2025
Venue: Anfield
Broadcast: TNT Sports activities