Aston Villa vs Liverpool Preview: Possible Lineups, Team News, injury updates & Key Stats…

Aston Villa will face Liverpool at Villa Park on Monday as they aim to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

Unai Emery’s side currently sits in fourth place in the Premier League and will need a victory against Liverpool to stay in the race for a top-four finish. The clash against Liverpool is crucial for Aston Villa, who will be determined to defeat the inconsistent Reds.

Aston Villa enters this match on the back of three straight losses in all competitions. The home crowd will be expecting a strong response from the team, and it remains to be seen if they can bounce back effectively.

On the other hand, Liverpool is coming off a notable win against Tottenham and currently sits in third place in the league. The Reds have already secured their place in the UEFA Champions League and have little at stake in this match.

It remains to be determined whether the team can muster enough motivation to deliver a strong performance in this upcoming match. The Hard Tackle provides a detailed analysis of the upcoming encounter between the two teams.

Team News & Tactics

Aston Villa

Unfortunately, Emiliano Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, and Tyrone Mings will be unavailable for the rest of the season. Jacob Ramsey is currently sidelined due to a toe problem, while Youri Tielemans is dealing with a muscle injury.

Aston Villa is expected to adopt a 4-4-2 formation against Liverpool, with Emiliano Martinez guarding the goal. Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne will assume the roles of full-backs, aiming to make contributions both defensively and offensively. In the heart of the defense, Diego Carlos and Pau Torres will provide additional cover.

Matty Cash and Leon Bailey will occupy the wide areas, with their primary focus being to support the full-backs and seize counter-attacking opportunities. Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz will likely partner with John McGinn in the midfield.

The Brazilian international is set to disrupt opposition attacks and protect the defensive line, while the Scottish midfielder will inject energy into the midfield. Ollie Watkins will spearhead Aston Villa’s attack alongside Moussa Diaby.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Cash, Luiz, McGinn, Bailey; Diaby; Watkins

Liverpool

Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are ruled out for the season, with Diogo Jota sidelined due to a muscle injury. Liverpool will adopt a 4-3-3 formation against Aston Villa, with Alisson Becker in goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will feature as the full-backs, providing support in both attack and defense. Ibrahima Konate will partner Virgil van Dijk in central defense.

In the heart of the park, Wataru Endo will assume his role as the defensive midfielder, aiming to disrupt the opposition’s attacks. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will provide a touch of ingenuity and command on either flank, complementing Endo’s efforts.

Completing the lineup, Darwin Nunez will spearhead Liverpool’s attack against Aston Villa, supported by Mohamed Salah on the right and Luis Diaz on the left. As an alternative, Cody Gakpo will be available on the bench as an option for Jurgen Klopp.

Expected Formation (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.