Liverpool, aiming for their eighth consecutive victory, are determined to stay close to the top four teams. On the other hand, Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, still have hopes of securing a spot in continental competitions. In their previous match against Leicester City, Liverpool's local talents delighted the away fans and viewers at home with a resounding 3-0 win. Curtis Jones scored two quick goals, causing frustration among the home crowd, and Trent Alexander-Arnold beautifully found the top corner of the net, adding insult to injury for Leicester. This defeat marked the latest setback for Leicester City in Liverpool's impressive late-season surge.
Liverpool is fighting until the last moment to maintain their status as a Champions League club. Their three-goal victory over Leicester City leaves them just one point behind both Manchester United and Newcastle United, who occupy fifth place. However, both of these teams have a game in hand, with Newcastle United scheduled to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.
Although Liverpool's top-four aspirations may have suffered earlier in the season, their recent run of three consecutive clean sheets is a relief for Jurgen Klopp. Additionally, the team has remained unbeaten in their last 11 home matches in the Premier League, accumulating 29 out of a possible 33 points.
Moreover, Liverpool has not lost their final home match of the season since the 2014-15 campaign when they were defeated 3-1 by Crystal Palace. The visiting head coach on Saturday has already experienced numerous painful memories from his previous visits to Merseyside. Unai Emery, who masterminded Sevilla's Europa League final victory over Liverpool in 2016, has failed to secure a win in seven successive matches against Liverpool. During his time with Arsenal, Liverpool consistently outperformed them.
Switching focus to another North London team facing difficulties, Tottenham Hotspur suffered a disappointing defeat at Villa Park last weekend. Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz scored early goals for Aston Villa, giving them a well-deserved 2-0 lead. Although Harry Kane converted a controversially-awarded penalty to reduce the deficit in the final moments, it was not enough for a lackluster Spurs. They now find themselves ahead of Aston Villa in eighth place only by goal difference, as the competition for a place in the Europa Conference League intensifies.
While Aston Villa has made their home ground, Villa Park, a formidable fortress, their performances on the road have been problematic. They have lost their last two away matches against Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers without scoring a goal. Prior to that, they were held to a 1-1 draw against Brentford. Aston Villa's recent history against Liverpool has also been discouraging, with a 3-1 loss at Villa Park on Boxing Day extending their losing streak against the Reds to five matches. They have not won at Anfield since Gabriel Agbonlahor secured a victory in 2014.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Earlier this week, it was officially announced that Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner will be leaving Liverpool when their contracts expire in June. As a result, the upcoming home game in front of the Merseyside crowd will serve as a farewell for these four players, and they will be honored accordingly.There is optimism from Jurgen Klopp that Firmino will overcome his muscular issue in time to make his final appearance at Anfield. However, Keita's availability is less certain. On the injury front, Thiago Alcantara (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (adductor), and Calvin Ramsay (knee) are still sidelined with long-term issues.
Darwin Nunez is also absent from the squad due to a toe problem, but it is expected that Firmino, who will soon become a free agent, will take precedence over the Uruguayan in the team hierarchy. If Firmino proves his fitness, he may find himself on the bench for an emotional cameo role.
In contrast to Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Firmino's international teammate, will not be able to reunite with his former club as he is nursing an unspecified injury. However, even if fit, Coutinho would have likely been a substitute for the match.
Matty Cash has returned to the squad after recovering from a calf problem, leaving backup goalkeeper Jed Steer as the only injury absentee for Aston Villa, as he is out for the season with his own calf injury. Calum Chambers is expected to travel despite recently dealing with an illness.
Considering the previous victory, it wouldn't be surprising to see Boubacar Kamara reintroduced into the midfield for added strength, potentially leading to Leon Bailey's exclusion from the starting lineup. As a result, John McGinn would take on a wider role in the team.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Ramsey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Buendia, Watkins
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa
As Aston Villa's ability to score goals away from home diminishes, they will approach their trip to Merseyside with hope rather than confidence, as Liverpool has recently demonstrated their skill in tightening their defense.
Unai Emery's team certainly earns respect from their opponents at Anfield, but it is difficult to foresee any outcome other than a straightforward victory for Jurgen Klopp's side, who are determined to secure a spot in the Champions League.
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