Starting XI Prediction: Arne Slot to Make Three Changes for Liverpool’s Clash with Aston Villa | OneFootball

Starting XI Prediction: How Will Liverpool Lineup for Crucial Aston Villa Clash?

Wednesday night marks a huge clash for Liverpool as they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, with the chance to move ten points clear of title rivals Arsenal. There’s just 13 Premier League games remaining for the Reds and with clashes against Manchester City and Newcastle United on the horizon, it’s a huge month for Arne Slot’s side.

After the disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park last week, Liverpool managed to bounce back with a nervy 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.

A much improved performance will be needed against Villa and Slot has a couple of injury issues to deal with as Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez are ruled out for this one.

With that being said, let’s take a look at our predicted lineup for this one…

One Change at the Back

Alisson Becker will remain in goal for this one after a simply brilliant performance in the victory over Wolves. Ahead of him, Virgil Van Dijk will captain the side and will be joined by Ibou Konate at the heart of the defence. The French defender should be fresh for this one after playing just 45 minutes at the weekend.

Photo: IMAGO

At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold will go again after playing just over an hour at the weekend, which was likely pointing towards a start on Wednesday.

The only change to the back line will be Kostas Tsimikas coming in for Andy Robertson at left-back, who looked a bit leggy and shaky on Sunday.

Verdict: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas

Curtis Jones’ Return?

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch will likely keep their places in the starting lineup. This not only highlights their importance, but also the lack of depth in those two roles in the current squad with both players set to be pushed to their absolute limits this season.

Photo: IMAGO

One change is expected though, with Curtis Jones likely to come into the side for Dominik Szoboszlai. The 24-year-old was suspended for Sunday’s game so will be in a good physical state for this one, so it could be an ideal time to offer some rest to Szoboszlai.

Verdict: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones

Huge Opportunity Up-Front

Just one change is expected in the front three for Wednesday’s game, with both Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz set to keep their roles out-wide.

Due to the absence of Cody Gakpo, it’s between Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez for a starting spot in the central role. After starting in the Premier League for the first time in five months on Sunday, Diogo Jota is expected to drop back to the bench for this one.

Photo: IMAGO

Therefore, I expect Darwin Nunez to start this one down the middle, whilst Jota will likely be the favourite to come back into the side for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.

Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Starting XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Bench: Kelleher, Quansah, Robertson, Bradley, Endo, Szoboszlai, Elliott, Jota, Chiesa