Aston Villa had a fantastic 8-0 win over Hibernian in their recent two-legged match. On the other hand, Liverpool, despite playing with 10 players for part of the game, managed to beat Newcastle United 2-1 in their last match. Virgil van Dijk got a red card in the first half for a foul, and it seemed like Liverpool might struggle, but they once again came from behind to win.
Liverpool is currently in fourth place in the Premier League with seven points from three games. They haven't lost in their last 14 league matches, winning nine and drawing five. They also have a good record at Anfield, where they haven't been defeated in 13 Premier League matches since October. However, they have been conceding and scoring goals in their recent games.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, had a tough start to the season, losing 5-1 to Newcastle. But since then, they have won four games in a row, scoring 15 goals in the process. They also had a successful Europa Conference League qualifying playoff tie against Hibernian, winning 3-0 in the second leg.
Although Aston Villa has been scoring well, they have struggled to keep clean sheets in their last seven Premier League away matches. However, it's worth noting that they managed to draw 1-1 against Liverpool at Anfield last season, ending Liverpool's winning streak of five games against them since a memorable 7-2 defeat.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
After receiving a straight red card last weekend, Van Dijk faces a one-game suspension. However, he could potentially receive a longer suspension due to a charge of improper conduct for using insulting language towards the officials as he left the field. The outcome of this charge is eagerly awaited by fans.In the absence of Van Dijk and with Ibrahima Konate still recovering from an undisclosed injury, Klopp will have to make do without them for this weekend's game. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip might be the central defensive pair in front of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Unfortunately, Thiago Alcantara has faced a setback in his recovery from a hip injury, but Curtis Jones is back after an ankle concern.
In terms of midfield reinforcements, Ryan Gravenberch's transfer from Bayern Munich was confirmed on deadline day, but it's unlikely that he will make his debut this weekend.
On the other hand, Aston Villa's manager, Emery, doesn't have any new injury concerns following their recent wins against Hibernian and Burnley. However, they still have long-term injuries affecting Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings, along with Jacob Ramsey (ankle) and former Liverpool player Philippe Coutinho (thigh).
The first-choice goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has been dealing with a minor calf issue in the past week and may or may not be available for the weekend. Alex Moreno also has a thigh injury, and his availability for the game remains uncertain.
Aston Villa did make a transfer deadline day move by loaning Clement Lenglet from Barcelona, but Emery may choose to stick with his current effective defensive setup for now.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres; Cash, Kamara, Luiz, Digne; McGinn, Diaby; Watkins
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-3 Aston Villa
Emery, who used to be in charge of Arsenal, had a tough time at Anfield. While winning might be difficult, Aston Villa, who has been scoring a lot of goals, can certainly play a high-scoring draw against Liverpool.
