Aston Villa travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday afternoon and look to enter September’s international break with their third victory of the 2023-24 Premier League season in hand.
The Lions are currently in seventh place in the Premier League standings, having won twice and lost once so far. They beat newly-promoted Burnley 3-1 at Turf Moor last weekend before easing past Hibernian 3-0 in the second leg of their Europa Conference League playoff to win the tie 8-0 on aggregate on Thursday evening.
Unai Emery’s immediate attention will turn to Sunday’s league fixture away to Liverpool, who come into this fixture off the back of a memorable 2-1 comeback away victory over Newcastle United.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa has not had much luck with injuries earlier on this season. Both Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings are long-term absentees with knee injuries. Jacob Ramsey is still out with an ankle problem, while Philippe Coutinho remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The club has reported no fresh injury concerns following the midweek European fixture against Hibs.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Liverpool (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Robin Olsen has deputised well in Emi Martinez’s injury absence in the last two games. The Swede is set to continue in goal for Villa against Liverpool.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-4-2 shape, Olsen will be protected by a backline of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne. Torres will continue his partnership with Konsa at centre-back, with Cash and Digne offering width and creativity from the full-back positions.
The entire Villa backline unit have to be at their best in order to stop the fiery Liverpool forwards and keep a clean sheet at Anfield.
Midfield
Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz will bring bundles of energy and tenacity to Villa’s midfield. They will be tasked with breaking Liverpool’s attacks and providing a platform for Villa’s creative players to shine in the final third.
John McGinn and Leon Bailey will operate as wide midfielders, providing security to Villa’s engine room. They will look to tuck inside and make Villa’s midfield difficult to penetrate through for the skilled Liverpool players.
Attack
An in-form Moussa Diaby will operate as the second striker, supporting Ollie Watkins up top. With their pace, dribbling and clever movement, the duo can cause endless problems to the hosts’ defence.
In Bertrand Traore, Jhon Duran and Nicolo Zaniolo, Emery will have potent attacking weapons on the bench who can come into the fray and make an impact when required.
