A last-minute change in personnel has been confirmed for Liverpool’s Premier League match against Aston Villa tonight.
Both managers, Unai Emery and Arne Slot, are dealing with injury concerns. Aston Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara, Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana, while three other players will undergo late fitness tests (avfc.co.uk). Liverpool, on the other hand, will be missing Joe Gomez, Cody Gakpo, and Tyler Morton due to injuries, but Curtis Jones is available again after serving a one-match suspension against Wolves on Sunday.
Referee Change for Aston Villa vs. Liverpool
Although the starting line-ups will only be announced 75 minutes before kick-off, one notable change has already been confirmed.
According to the Sheffield Star (via The Mirror), Stuart Attwell was initially assigned to officiate the game but has now been replaced by Craig Pawson. This switch is the reverse of what happened for Monday night’s Championship fixture between Leeds and Sunderland.
Liverpool’s Strong Record Under Pawson
Liverpool supporters will be hoping for a smooth game without refereeing controversies, and the late officiating change could be seen as a positive sign.
According to Transfermarkt, Liverpool have won their last 10 matches with Pawson as referee. This streak includes their 2022 FA Cup final victory on penalties, a dominant 6-1 win over Leeds in 2022, and their recent 4-0 triumph over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.
This winning run dates back to November 2021, when Liverpool lost 3-2 to West Ham. In that game, Aaron Cresswell avoided a red card for a strong challenge on Jordan Henderson, and Alisson Becker appeared to be impeded during a goal conceded from a corner (BBC Sport).
Liverpool fans will be hoping Pawson’s involvement doesn’t lead to any dramatic moments like those seen in last week’s Merseyside derby, officiated by Michael Oliver. Ideally, the Reds will secure another win with no post-match debates about refereeing decisions.
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