Bidding to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, Aston Villa host Liverpool at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.
The Villans were held to a 1-1 draw by a resolute 10-man Ipswich Town side last weekend, but the result saw them stretch their unbeaten run on home turf to 12 matches in all competitions. Hopes for a top-four finish were dented further though, with Unai Emery’s side now six points below fourth-placed Manchester City.
Unai Emery and Co. now have a chance to put a dent in Liverpool’s title hopes, but with Villa on a nine-game winless run against the Reds, the odds favour Arne Slot’s side on paper in this mouthwatering fixture.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa’s defensive injury crisis worsened last weekend when Boubacar Kamara came off just 16 minutes into the draw with Ipswich Town. He will miss tomorrow’s fixture.
Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, and Ezri Konsa have late fitness tests to decide if they will feature. It’s unlikely any of them will start.
Unai Emery revealed in his press conference:
“Kamara is out, Bailey is close to being with us again. I don’t know tomorrow, he’s a doubt. Cash as well is close to being with us, Konsa as well is close to being with us.
“We trained this morning but, until tomorrow morning, I’m not going to decide exactly how much they are ready to play or not or to be with us.”
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez has been Villa’s undisputed No.1 for several years now. The Argentine has to be at his best to keep a clean sheet against a dangerous Liverpool side.
Defence
Villa will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Andres Garcia and Lucas Digne should be the full-backs in the Aston Villa lineup. They will attempt to stretch Liverpool while providing defensive cover when required.
With Kamara out, loanee Axel Disasi is expected to partner Tyrone Mings at the heart of Villa’s defence. The duo has to stay switched on from the opening whistle until the last if they intend to keep a clean sheet against the table-toppers.
Midfield
John McGinn and Youri Tielemans anchor the midfield, their experience vital in managing the game’s tempo and launching counterattacks. Morgan Rogers, Villa’s standout performer this season, operates in an advanced role, seeking to exploit spaces between Liverpool’s lines.
Attack
January acquisition Marco Asensio earns his first start, joining Jacob Ramsey in supporting the attack, while Marcus Rashford awaits his full debut following his winter arrival from Manchester United. Ollie Watkins leads the line, buoyed by his strike against Ipswich. Donyell Malen, Rashford and Ian Maatsen provide impactful options from the bench.
