Liverpool head into Saturday’s visit from Aston Villa without defeat in 12 matches as they look to pull further ahead at the top of the Premier League table.
The Reds have made a sensational start to Arne Slot’s reign and harbour genuine hopes of lifting the Premier League title aloft come next May. However, they will be eager not to allow any complacency to creep in this early in the campaign and Villa’s trip to Anfield is certain to keep them on their toes.
Liverpool beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night to further raise the mood on Merseyside and, despite a few injuries across the team, Slot has a myriad of options to select from in defence, midfield and attack for the Villans’ visit.
Here is how Liverpool could line up against the Midlands side.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – Even in the shutout victory over Leverkusen midweek, Kelleher was forced into some smart saves to protect his clean sheet. Alisson’s injury hasn’t hampered the Reds’ progress following strong displays from his deputy.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Alexander-Arnold hasn’t managed to have the same attacking impact for the Reds as he did under Jurgen Klopp but the right-back is still a key playmaker from deep with his array of striking long-range passes.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Having been withdrawn with a nasty-looking arm injury last weekend against Brighton, it was somewhat surprising to see Konate play almost the entirety of the Leverkusen triumph. He will maintain his starting place and tangle with Ollie Watkins.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Van Dijk has been around long enough to know just how threatening Villa will be on Saturday. He was a member of the defence that conceded seven at Villa Park back in 2020/21, with Watkins netting a hat-trick on that day.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – The battle between Tsimikas and Andy Robertson is heating up and it’s difficult to predict which left-back will start against Villa. The Greek defender has started the last two outings and appears to be Slot’s preferred choice at present.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Many thought Gravenberch would be exposed in defensive midfield against Europe’s elite but the markedly improved Dutchman has continued to thrive in his new-look role under Slot.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister – After quickfire meetings with his former club Brighton & Hove Albion, Mac Allister will be tasked with keeping the likes of Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans quiet. He’s the perfect foil for Gravenberch in a double pivot.
RW: Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian had to settle for two assists in Liverpool’s four-goal victory midweek but did score a trademark Salah goal at home to Brighton. He boasts seven goals and three assists in 11 meetings with the Villans.
AM: Curtis Jones – Jones has been unlocked under Slot and is currently in the form of his life. Playing in a more advanced role has allowed him to flex his creative muscles and he produced a sublime assist midweek.
LW: Luis Diaz – The Colombian bagged his first career hat-trick in the 4-0 win against Leverkusen and did so operating as a number nine. It remains to be seen whether or not he will be used up top again to facilitate the in-form Cody Gakpo.
ST: Darwin Nunez – If Diaz returns to his traditional left wing role, it will be Nunez who leads the line. He’s performed admirably in Diogo Jota’s absence without yet bursting into life.
