After a horrendous display by the newly crowned Premier League champions, Jurgen Klopp’s side would play hosts to Aston Villa FC on 5th July. The Reds would be hoping to return to winning ways following a recent 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City FC at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool FC are still chasing the Premier League record points total of 100 points which is currently held by Manchester City FC. However, to beat that record, the Reds would have to be on their best form for their remaining six fixtures in the Premier League.
On the other hand, the visitors find themselves entangled in a tricky relegation battle at the bottom end of the Premier League table. Dean Smith’s Villa side are currently positioned 18th in the standings, with just one point away from safety. However, Aston Villa FC will be cautious coming against a dangerous Liverpool FC side who have been in solid form throughout the entire season.
The Reds had narrowly snatched a 2-1 away victory against Villa in the reverse fixture held earlier this season. Jurgen Klopp’s side had been trailing Villa due to a goal by Trézéguet. However, an equalizer by Andy Robertson in the 87th minute was followed by a match-winning goal by Sadio Mane in the dying moments of the game.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Sunday 5th July
Time: 4:30 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool FC have not reported any fresh injury concerns following the recent game against Manchester City FC. Earlier reports had confirmed that Joel Matip had been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury. The Cameroon international had sustained the injury in the scoreless draw with Everton FC following the restart of the Premier League in June.
Dejan Lovren’s availability for the upcoming game is still a doubt. The center-back had missed the last game for the Reds after having suffered a slight knock. Meanwhile, James Milner could be given a start by Jurgen Klopp after having been on the bench for the Manchester City FC game.
As for Aston Villa FC, the side’s coach Dean Smith confirmed that defender Matt Targett won’t be a part of Sunday’s proceedings at Anfield.
Besides Targett, goalkeeper Tom Heaton and Brazilian international Wesley have been on the sidelines recently for Villa and would miss the game against Liverpool FC.
RECENT FORM
Liverpool FC: L W D W L
Aston Villa FC: L D L D L
LIVERPOOL VS ASTON VILLA PREDICTED LINEUP
Liverpool FC: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Aston Villa FC: Pepe Reina, Guilbert, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Grealish, Nakamba, Anwar El Ghazi, Samatta
