Liverpool told what to expect from Unai Emery’s team selection days before Aston Villa’s Europa League final

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Liverpool fans may be hoping to catch Aston Villa at a good time on Friday evening ahead of their first European final since 2002.

The Villains play their biggest match in decades next midweek, taking on Freiburg in the Europa League final.

Before that, Liverpool are in town for a match which will likely secure Champions League football for the victors. With Villa’s focus elsewhere, the expectation has been that Unai Emery may put out a weakened team to face the Reds.

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But according to former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison, any Reds’ fan hoping for an easy ride at Villa Park is likely to be in for a surprise, with Emery going strong to send his team off in the best way possible.

Emery set to go strong against Liverpool

Though a European showpiece is a novel experience for the Villa supporters, it is nothing new for their manager, who has taken charge of five previous Europa League finals, winning four.

As a result, Emery will know exactly how to manage his squad for their last fixture before Istanbul, and according to Hutchison, that will likely mean he picks a strong XI.

“Listen, I just don’t see Liverpool going to Villa Park and winning” the pundit told ESPN FC.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa sees Alexander Isak back in and right-back dilemma solved

“The only way they might get a result is that Villa have got a cup final about four days later against Freiburg. Unless Unai Emery goes with a really weakened side, and I don’t think he will, I think he’ll go strong.

“I think they’ve had enough upsets on the back of European football where they’ve been disappointing. Friday night football at Villa Park, atmosphere will be great. I don’t see Liverpool going there and winning.”

Hutchison’s fellow former Red, Luis Garcia, disagreed, putting Liverpool down for a 2-1 win, while Steve Nicol opted for a 1-1 draw.

One of them will be right, and though supporters will hope it is not Hutchison, it will admittedly be tough for Liverpool if Emery goes strong and Villa Park gets up for it to send their lads off in the best shape.