Aston Villa have got a good start to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign, winning both the games that they have played so far. They face another undefeated team in the league this weekend, when they face off against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, at Villa Park.
The last time these two sides met in the league, Liverpool won the game 2-0. Villa defeated the Reds once last season, which came against a very young Liverpool side in the League Cup. The Villans are undefeated in the season so far, winning all five games – three in the League Cup and two in the Premier League. Dean Smith’s side have let in just one goal in their five games in the season so far.
Let’s take a look at the predicted Aston Villa lineup against Liverpool:
Aston Villa Team News
The only absentees for Aston Villa against Liverpool are Tom Heaton, Wesley, and Bjorn Engels, who have long-term injuries.
New loan signing Ross Barkley, who joined the club from Chelsea, could be involved in this weekend’s game against the champions, but he is unlikely to make the starting lineup.
Predicted Aston Villa Lineup vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez should once again start in goal for Aston Villa. The Argentine was part of the Arsenal team that beat Liverpool twice; first in the league at Emirates, and then in the Community Shield. Will he be Villa’s lucky charm?
Defence
Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have formed a fantastic understanding at the back, and the duo should start at the heart of the defence for Villa. New signing Matty Cash has settled in well and put on a glowing performance against Fulham last time around. He should start at right-back, with Matt Targett starting on the opposite in the Aston Villa lineup.
Neil Taylor and Frederic Guilbert played at left-back and right-back, respectively, in the EFL Cup, and they are backup options for Dean Smith.
Midfield
The Villa manager has played the midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, and Conor Hourihane in the two Premier League games so far, and he may not change the trio, even if it is against a formidable side like Liverpool.
Barkley could be an option off the bench, while Marvelous Nakamba is another option if Smith wants to play a defensive set-up.
Attack
Ollie Watkins has made a positive impression since his move to Villa Park this summer, and he should start up front, with captain Jack Grealish playing off the left.
It will be interesting to see who Smith chooses to play on the right. New signing Bertrand Traore, Trezeguet, and Anwar el Ghazi are options for Smith. Trezeguet could retain his place in the Aston Villa lineup after two solid performances in the league.
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