Liverpool dropped points in the Premier League yet again, this time losing 1-0 to Southampton on Monday. Now they pause from the league as they take on Aston Villa in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup on Friday.
Liverpool have been kinda average of the past few weeks, dropping points at regular intervals and to make matters worse, Aston Villa have been playing some top-notch football in the league this season.
The last time these two sides met was back in October and it was Villa who emerged 7-2 winners despite the Anfield outfit having a full strength squad.
This game will be different though since Klopp has a series of first-team regulars out with injuries and as they take on Manchester United next week, the manager will be looking to rest some his top stars.
Liverpool team news vs Aston Villa:
Alisson Becker is expected to move to the bench with Caoimhin Kelleher replacing him in goal.
Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all remain sidelined with injuries and since Jordan Henderson featured vs Southampton on Monday, the England international is likely to be rested with Nathaniel Phillips coming into the side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a really poor outing vs the Saints and he should be given a break with Neco Williams taking up his place at right-back.
Thiago needs game-time under his belt and the former Bayern man will get the nod in defensive midfield vs Aston Villa.
Chamberlain has been a fringe player for Jurgen Klopp this season and he’s likely to keep his place in the starting XI since the England international is not expected to feature against Manchester United.
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Wijnaldum is also going to be rested and with Naby Keita out with an injury, young Curtis Jones will play in midfield.
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have been working tirelessly so far this season and with a key game vs Manchester United coming up, Jurgen Klopp will surely push the duo to the bench. This means Xherdan Shaqiri and Minamino will get to start against Villa on Friday.
Firmino might be given a nod if the Liverpool boss needs to keep an experienced player up front or else it will be Divock Origi who will lead the line.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa:
Predicted Starting XI: Kelleher; Neco Williams, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago, Curtis Jones, Oxlade Chamberlain; Shaqiri, Firmino/Divock Origi, Minamino.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
