Table toppers Liverpool travel to the midlands to face Aston Villa this weekend. The Reds are arguably in their best period under Jurgen Klopp and are in comfortable positions in all competitions.
They were victorious in a mammoth 5-5 (5-4 Penalties) match against Arsenal on Wednesday night where Divock Origi scored a stoppage time equaliser to send the game to penalties. Young GK Caoimhin Kelleher saved Dani Ceballos’ spotkick to win it for the 8-Time League Cup winners. The draw on Thursday meant that the Reds would face up with their Saturday opposition Aston Villa in the quarter finals.
Aston Villa also notched up a win in their midweek League Cup game against Wolves – 2-1. Their return to the Premier League has been fairly decent. The Claret And Blue have beaten Everton, Norwich and Brighton and just lost out to both Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Midfielder John McGinn and Jack Grealish are both capable of causing problems to the ‘not-so-consistent’ Liverpool defence.
Liverpool have been collecting points at cruising speed in the Premier League, having a 6 points lead over defending Champions Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League. The trouble for the Reds could be the festive period of December where they also have to travel to Qatar for the Club World Cup.
Last time when the two sides met, back in February 2016, Liverpool ran riot in a 6-0 win.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Villa coach Dean Smith has a young side at his disposal for the season who have started fairly in the opening 10 games. Captain Jack Grealish is the fulcrum of the side and operates from the left flank. There are certain doubts over his fitness but Smith said, “He’s OK. he will be pushing to be fit for Saturday”.
Midfielder John McGinn has impressed so far and will starting in the midfield. Tyrone Mings, who had a few amazing performances in the CB role, is expected to slot in the LCB position. New signing Matt Target has also shone in the LB spot.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Heaton, Guilbert, Engels, Mings, Target, Trezeguet, McGinn, Nakamba, Hourihane, Grealish (C), Wesley 4-5-1
Brazilian Fabinho is walking on a disciplinary tightrope and a another yellow card (Currently 4 yellows), could mean the ex-Monaco man misses the all-important Manchester City game. Manager Jurgen Klopp has a crucial decision to make whether to play his no. 3 on Saturday or to play him without risks against City.
Joel Matip, who was ruled out for upto 6 weeks with a knee injury, is out for the game.
Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were all rested during the midweek game against Arsenal and would be raring to go.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson (C), Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane 4-3-3
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham (42095)
English Premier League, Round 11
Time: 15:00 GMT, Saturday
