Two outstanding finishes from Darwin Nunez helped the Reds secure a very unlikely victory against Newcastle last weekend.
Jurgen Klopp’s side face an Aston Villa team on Sunday who have recovered from a chastening 5-1 loss on the opening day to win their last four matches in all competitions. After drawing 1-1 in the corresponding fixture at Anfield back in May, this will not be an easy game for the home side.
In terms of the starting eleven, Alisson will be in goal, having put in a standout performance versus the Magpies last time out, with some excellent saves that kept his team in the match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are set to line up in the two fullback positions but there will have to be a change in the centre of defence after Virgil van Dijk’s red card at St James’ Park.
Joe Gomez is expected to be given a starting place alongside Joel Matip, with Ibrahima Konate still not available after sitting out last week’s game due to a muscular injury.
Klopp may decide to stick with the same midfield that played against Newcastle, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister taking up the two no.8 positions and Wataru Endo holding the fort. If new signing Ryan Gravennberch can be registered in time, the Dutchman could be named on the bench.
Up front, it will be hoped that all the talk around Mo Salah’s future hasn’t affected his focus. The Egyptian is the consummate professional so it would be a shock if he isn’t in the lineup on Sunday afternoon.
Nunez should be rewarded for his goals last weekend with his first start of the season, and Luis Diaz is expected to take up his customary position on the left flank.
Liverpool’s Predicted XI To Take On Aston Villa
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson, Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister, Salah, Nunez, Diaz
