Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Merseyside in Gameweek 11 of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Both sides have started the campaign in firing form as the hosts sit on top of the table, whilst the visitors are currently in 6th.
Liverpool were an unknown entity before the season started, as it was anyone's guess to whether Arne Slot would be able to get the best out of this team that Jurgen Klopp had left, after departing the club at the end of last season.
After 10 weeks it is evident that the Dutch manager was able to settle in well to his new club, since the Reds look sharper then ever.
His tactics have carried over extremely well into English football and it has been a smooth transition overall so far.
On the other hand, Aston Villa secured qualification to the Champions League for the first time in decades thanks to an Unai Emery masterclass.
Many were speculating that they would struggle to maintain their sublime run. This theory has also been proven wrong as the Villans are on track for another European spot, as well as winning three of their first four Champions League matches.
Aston Villa head into this match on the back of three consecutive losses, winless in their last four outings. Securing three points in this fixture would be a significant result for Unai Emery’s side, but facing Liverpool at Anfield is a formidable challenge, as the Reds have suffered just one home defeat all season.
Slot's Reds have been ever so consistent, and from attack to defense they look like a cohesive unit, which is why Liverpool head into this match as heavy favourites.
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Team News
Liverpool
There are no new injury concerns for Liverpool, but their key absentee remains Alisson. The Brazilian goalkeeper, instrumental in Liverpool’s success over the years, is sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, he is expected to return in time for the busy festive schedule.
Harvey Elliot (foot), Diogo Jota (rib) and Federico Chiesa (muscle) make up the rest of Liverpool's injury list.
Andy Robertson could be benched once again for tactical reasons which would result in Kostas Tsimikas getting the nod at left-back.
Fortunately, Aston Villa are another side that are not struggling with injuries with only two absentees for the clash.
Matty Cash is ruled out with a calf injury that he picked up against Tottenham, which means Ezri Konsa will likely move into right back.
The other player who is unavailable is Ross Barkley, who has struggled for minutes since his arrival from Luton Town in the summer.
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Likely Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Kelleher; Tsimikas, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Diaz, Szoboszlai, Salah; Nunez
Aston Villa (4-4-2)
Martinez; Digne, Torres, Carlos, Konsa; Ramsey, Tielemans, Onana, McGinn; Rogers, Watkins
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Key Players
Liverpool - Mohamed Salah
A player who needs no introduction to anyone who watches football is Salah.
Since arriving back in England in the summer of 2017, Salah has torn Premier League defenses to shreds every week.
He is lightning fast, extremely direct and lethal in front of goal which makes him a perfect winger.
Despite being towards the end of his career, Salah has shown no signs of slowing down as he has been immense this season, and once again will be in the golden boot race.
Salah's opposing defender Lucas Digne is known to be shaky defensively, so Salah could have a feast in this fixture and it would not be surprising to see him come out with multiple goals or assists.
Emery's star boy is certainly a special talent and the obvious choice for key player in this squad.
Rogers is a perfect example of a footballer who can get fans off their feet, and fall in love with football.
He operates just behind Ollie Watkins, with the intention of taking on players and getting goals and assists. His football intelligence and technical excellence are what define his game.
At just 22 years old, Rogers is one to watch and due for a senior England call up from Thomas Tuchel in the near future.
Match Details
Where is the match taking place?
Anfield Stadium, Liverpool.
What time is kick off?
The match is set to kick off at 20:00 UK time.
How can I watch?
The match will be televised on TNT Sports 1 for viewers in the United Kingdom.
