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Reds Aim to Extend Winning Streak at Anfield
Liverpool will look to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League when they take on Aston Villa this Saturday evening at Anfield. The Reds have been in sensational form under new manager Arne Slot, winning 14 out of their 16 matches since he took charge. Their recent 4-0 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen showcased their attacking prowess and solidified their status as title contenders.
Aston Villa’s Recent Struggles
Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, are currently experiencing a minor setback despite a strong start to the season. The Villans have suffered three consecutive defeats, including a disappointing 1-0 loss to Club Brugge midweek. This recent form has raised questions about their ability to challenge Liverpool, who are riding high on confidence.
Key Players to Watch
Liverpool’s attacking line is likely to feature Luis Diaz, who scored a hat-trick in their last match against Leverkusen. However, he may shift back to the left-wing position, potentially affecting the starting role of in-form Cody Gakpo. Darwin Nunez is also in contention for a place in the starting XI, adding further competition for spots in the Reds’ attack.
On the defensive side, Liverpool will be without several key players, including Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Harvey Elliott, all sidelined due to injuries. Despite this, Ibrahima Konate is expected to play following a concerning arm injury, while Kostas Tsimikas is pushing for a spot in the starting lineup against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa’s Lineup Changes
For Aston Villa, the injury situation has improved, but they will still miss Matty Cash and Ross Barkley for the trip to Anfield. Ezri Konsa is set to fill in at right-back, while Amadou Onana is expected to return to the starting lineup. Pau Torres will replace Tyrone Mings, who had a challenging debut in the Champions League.
The Villans will rely heavily on Ollie Watkins, who remains a key figure in their attack. Jhon Duran is also vying for a starting position but may find himself on the bench once more.
Match History and Expectations
Aston Villa’s track record at Anfield is far from impressive, and they face a tough challenge against one of Europe’s most formidable sides. The Reds’ recent defensive vulnerabilities were evident in their match against Brighton, but they still managed to secure a victory. Villa will need to exploit any weaknesses if they hope to end their winless streak.
How to Watch the Match
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and via the discovery+ app. Kick-off is set for Saturday evening, promising an exciting encounter under the lights at Anfield.
Predicted Lineups
Here’s how both teams are expected to line up:
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.
Aston Villa (4-4-1-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Ramsey; Rogers; Watkins.
Final Thoughts
As Liverpool prepare to face Aston Villa, fans are eager to see if the Reds can continue their impressive run and maintain their lead in the Premier League. With both teams bringing their unique strengths to the pitch, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications for the title race.
