Aston Villa Starting XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Liverpool: Emery Set for Major Villa Park Test

Aston Villa welcome Liverpool to Villa Park on Friday night with Champions League implications hanging over a fixture that feels heavy with consequence.

Watkins Form Gives Villa Their Edge

Ollie Watkins remains central to Aston Villa’s hopes. The England striker has been involved in 12 goals across his last 13 appearances, scoring nine, and that form has sharpened the sense that he is heading towards a place in the final Three Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup.

With 12 Premier League goals already this season, Watkins offers Villa more than finishing. He stretches defences, creates panic in transition and gives Emery a reliable focal point against a Liverpool side that can be exposed when opponents attack quickly and directly.

Photo: IMAGO

Emery’s Injury Picture Clear Before Liverpool Clash

Aston Villa will again be without Boubacar Kamara, Alysson and Amadou Onana. Kamara is sidelined with a knee issue, Alysson has a groin problem, while Onana remains unavailable due to a calf injury.

There are no fresh injury concerns, which gives Emery a relatively settled platform. That matters. Against Liverpool, Villa need structure as much as energy, particularly in midfield where control of second balls and defensive spacing could decide the rhythm of the night.

Buendia to Return?

Emiliano Buendia is expected to return to the Aston Villa Predicted XI after starting on the bench against Burnley. His recent output, two goals in his last three appearances, makes him difficult to leave out.

Victor Lindelof is again likely to operate in central midfield, a role that gives Villa defensive discipline and passing security. John McGinn is expected to start from a wide area, where his work rate and ability to tuck inside should help Villa cope with Liverpool’s movement.

Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Liverpool

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Lindelof, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins