Liverpool have the opportunity to open up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday night—if they can secure a win against Aston Villa.
The Reds head to Villa Park after a turbulent week, with disappointing results against Plymouth Argyle and Everton followed by a nervy 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have struggled for consistency this season and currently sit ninth in the table. They also face several injury concerns ahead of the clash.
Liverpool writers Ian Doyle, Paul Gorst, and Theo Squires have each selected their preferred lineups for the game.
Ian Doyle’s XI
After trailing Arsenal in terms of matches played, Liverpool finally have the chance to move ahead in the standings. To maximize this opportunity, manager Arne Slot is likely to make some changes to the starting lineup.
Alisson Becker remains in goal, with Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk continuing their partnership in central defense. However, both full-back positions see changes, with Kostas Tsimikas on the left and Conor Bradley on the right.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch gets a rest, with Curtis Jones stepping in alongside Alexis Mac Allister in a deeper role, while Dominik Szoboszlai retains his place as the number 10.
The front three remains unchanged, with Mohamed Salah on the right, Luis Diaz on the left, and Diogo Jota leading the attack.
Doyle’s XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Paul Gorst’s XI
Arne Slot has downplayed concerns about player fatigue, and Liverpool have a chance to prove him right by extending their lead at the top before Arsenal face West Ham.
The biggest dilemma is the striker position. Diogo Jota is the preferred choice, but with limited game time in recent months—just 200 Premier League minutes since October—his fitness remains a question. He still starts, with Darwin Nunez available off the bench if needed.
Luis Diaz continues on the left due to Cody Gakpo’s injury, with hopes that Gakpo will return against Manchester City.
Midfield sees Wataru Endo making his first Premier League start of the season, replacing Mac Allister, who is rested ahead of the City clash. Ryan Gravenberch retains his spot, while Curtis Jones comes in for Szoboszlai to preserve the Hungarian’s energy for Sunday’s crucial fixture.
At left-back, Kostas Tsimikas replaces Andy Robertson, while Trent Alexander-Arnold starts on the right. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remain the central defensive pairing.
Gorst’s XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Endo; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Jota
Theo Squires’ XI
Liverpool face a defining week with back-to-back away games against Aston Villa and Manchester City before hosting Newcastle. With Villa having a game in hand, securing a 10-point lead is crucial.
Cody Gakpo’s absence means Luis Diaz continues on the left, following a strong performance against Wolves. Up front, Jota narrowly holds onto his starting spot ahead of Darwin Nunez.
In midfield, Curtis Jones returns from suspension to play as the number 10, replacing Szoboszlai. Wataru Endo is handed his first Premier League start, while Ryan Gravenberch is rested in anticipation of the Manchester City game.
In defense, Ibrahima Konate retains his place after avoiding a red card against Wolves, while Andy Robertson keeps his left-back position over Tsimikas.
Squires’ XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Jota
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