Aston Villa vs. Liverpool: Team News, Match Info, Referee, and TV Details

Liverpool’s Premier League title chase continues with a crucial away fixture at Aston Villa, where a win would see them extend their lead at the top of the table. With the season reaching its final stretch, the Reds must overcome an unpredictable Villa side to maintain their momentum in the title race.

Liverpool Aiming for a 10-Point Lead

Liverpool head into this encounter with a golden opportunity to put daylight between themselves and Arsenal in the title race. A win would take Arne Slot’s men ten points clear of the Gunners, piling the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side before their upcoming clash against West Ham. Given the competitiveness of the league this season, such a cushion could prove decisive in the final months.

This fixture was initially postponed due to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final commitments, and now it offers them the chance to set the tone for the weekend. However, with Manchester City also lurking in the background, any dropped points could open the door for their rivals.

Aston Villa: A Formidable But Unpredictable Opponent

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have developed into a resilient and tactically astute side. While their Premier League form has been inconsistent, their Champions League performances have shown their capability to compete at the highest level. Currently sitting ninth in the table, Villa will be eager to use this game as a statement of intent as they push for a European spot.

The Villa Park atmosphere will be electric, and Liverpool will need to be significantly sharper than they were in their unconvincing 2-1 win over Wolves. The Midlands side boasts a strong midfield, with Morgan Rogers emerging as a key playmaker and earning comparisons to Kaka from some fans. If Villa are at their best, they could provide a stern test for the league leaders.

Injury Concerns for Liverpool

Arne Slot faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the trip to Villa Park. Cody Gakpo remains sidelined with an ankle issue, while Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are both unavailable due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively. Gomez’s absence is particularly concerning, with reports suggesting he may require surgery.

On a brighter note, Curtis Jones is back in contention after serving a one-match suspension following his red card at Goodison Park. His return could add stability and energy to Liverpool’s midfield, which will be crucial against Villa’s dynamic setup.

Liverpool’s Probable Lineup

Slot has rotated his squad effectively throughout the season, but with the importance of this fixture, he is unlikely to make wholesale changes. Kostas Tsimikas could replace Andy Robertson at left-back, given the latter’s recent dip in form. In midfield, the returning Curtis Jones may slot into the No. 10 role, possibly at the expense of Dominik Szoboszlai.

Upfront, Luis Diaz is expected to retain his place on the left, while the central striker position will be a toss-up between Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Diaz, Nunez.

Aston Villa’s Selection Woes

Villa have been dealing with their own injury struggles, which have hampered their consistency this season. Pau Torres, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana are all ruled out, while Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, and Ezri Konsa face late fitness tests.

In a surprising winter transfer move, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is expected to start on the left wing. Tyrone Mings, who recently returned from a knee injury, could feature in the heart of the defense.

Predicted Villa XI: Martinez; Garcia, Disasi, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Ramsey, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins.

Slot Confident in Squad’s Mentality

Despite the growing pressure of the title race, Arne Slot remains composed and confident in his players. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, he dismissed concerns over title jitters, citing his squad’s experience in handling high-pressure situations. He specifically pointed out Alexis Mac Allister’s World Cup-winning experience as an asset in navigating such challenges.

With crucial fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle on the horizon, Liverpool cannot afford to slip up here. The squad’s mentality and ability to execute the game plan will be key factors in determining the outcome.

Liverpool’s Strong Record at Villa Park

Historically, Liverpool have enjoyed success at Villa Park. Since their shock 7-2 defeat in 2020, they have remained unbeaten at the ground, winning eight of their last nine encounters there. Last season, however, they squandered a 3-1 lead, with Jhon Duran’s late double ensuring a dramatic 3-3 draw.

With the home crowd behind them, Villa will be motivated to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm. The Reds, on the other hand, will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s lapse in concentration.

Salah Chasing More Records

Mohamed Salah continues to cement his legendary status at Liverpool. His goal against Wolves took him to 239 goals for the club, leaving him just two shy of Gordon Hodgson’s tally of 241 in Liverpool’s all-time scoring charts. Should Salah find the net in this game, he could surpass Hodgson within the week.

His consistency and ability to deliver in big games will be crucial, especially with tougher fixtures looming on the horizon.

Craig Pawson Takes Charge

The match will be officiated by Craig Pawson, who has not yet refereed a Liverpool Premier League game this season. His last involvement with the Reds was in their 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg win over Tottenham.

Pawson will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis and Steve Meredith, with Tom Bramall as the fourth official. VAR duties will be handled by Alex Chilowicz and Tim Wood.

Match Details and TV Coverage

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM GMT, an early slot to avoid clashing with Champions League playoff fixtures. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 6:30 PM.

For those unable to watch the match live, This Is Anfield will provide minute-by-minute updates via their matchday blog, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa is a pivotal fixture in their quest for Premier League glory. With the chance to open up a significant lead at the top, the Reds must be at their best to overcome a tricky opponent. Villa, despite their inconsistency, have the quality to cause problems, and Liverpool cannot afford any complacency.

With history, form, and motivation on their side, Liverpool will be expected to get the job done—but in the unpredictable world of the Premier League, anything can happen.