Liverpool travel to Villa Park on Friday night for their penultimate Premier League game of the season.
Ibrahima Konate is fit after training, while Alisson Becker is back on the grass but remains a doubt. Florian Wirtz is also being assessed after a stomach infection. Arne Slot has confirmed Mohamed Salah is available again, but only for a few minutes, meaning the Egyptian is unlikely to start.
That leaves Slot with a few big calls to make, particularly in goal, at right-back and through the front line. Here is how Rousing The Kop thinks Liverpool will line up against Aston Villa.
Should Curtis Jones keep his place at right-back against Aston Villa?
Or is Joe Gomez a better option?
Predicting Liverpool’s starting XI against Aston Villa
Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to keep his place in goal.
Alisson returning to training is obviously positive, but there is little reason to rush him back if there is any doubt over his readiness. Mamardashvili should continue between the posts.
In defence, Joe Gomez could be the solution at right-back. Curtis Jones has been used there recently, but this feels like a game for a more natural defensive option.
Konate is fit and should start next to Virgil van Dijk, with Milos Kerkez continuing at left-back. Theory on Kerkez is that Andy Robertson will start his final game at Anfield next weekend.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister should start as the deeper pair. They were Liverpool’s best players against Chelsea.
Ahead of them, Dominik Szoboszlai is the obvious choice as the number 10 if Wirtz is not quite ready to start.
The front three almost picks itself given Salah’s limited availability.
Jeremie Frimpong should continue from the right, with Cody Gakpo on the left and Alexander Isak returning through the middle. Isak’s presence gives Liverpool a focal point, and the hope is that he can find the net again and end the season in a good place.
That would leave Salah as the obvious impact option from the bench if Liverpool need a goal late on, with Rio Ngumoha also ready to make a difference.
Can you make a better front line to take on Aston Villa? 👀
Liverpool still have work to do in the race for Champions League qualification. A win at Villa Park could secure fourth and settle nerves before the final day.
Given the mood around Anfield, Slot badly needs it.
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