Liverpool are on the hunt for a third Premier League win on the bounce this weekend, with Aston Villa visiting Anfield.
It promises to be a tricky game for the Reds, who will be without several key players. With Ibrahima Konate injured, Virgil van Dijk suspended and new signing Ryan Gravenberch also unavailable, there are some notable absentees.
But Jurgen Klopp can still field a strong looking Liverpool XI. Here’s the team we think he’ll pick for the 2pm kick-off tomorrow.
Defence
Without their first choice centre-back partnership to call on, the Reds will need Alisson Becker more than ever. He was ridiculously good last time out, let’s hope for more of the same here.
If Alisson was brilliant against Newcastle, then Trent Alexander-Arnold was rather less so. But the 24-year-old should get the chance to go again at Anfield.
With Konate and Van Dijk missing, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip look certain to start against Unai Emery’s men. At left-back, there’s no reason not to expect Andy Robertson to start.
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Midfield
Gravenberch may not be available here and Thiago Alcantara is still injured, but Liverpool can call on Curtis Jones once more. Nevertheless, we don’t think Jurgen will throw the Scouser back in against Villa.
Instead, we reckon the manager will try to get some consistency in his midfield, and go for the same trio that started at St James’ Park.
That will mean Wataru Endo sitting at the base, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister either side of him.
Attack
In the attack is where Klopp has a real decision to make. After Darwin Nunez’s game-winning double last week, the Uruguayan is hammering the door down for a start.
Having made three substitute appearances so far – and scored two goals – we think Darwin will finally get the nod here. He’s earnt it.
With all the furore surrounding him at the moment, perhaps Mohamed Salah’s place in the team is less assured than usual. But we still can’t see a world where the Egyptian doesn’t play tomorrow.
Luis Diaz should complete the trio, with Cody Gakpo sitting out for the first time this season.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz