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

Liverpool vs Aston Villa Preview

Key absences for crucial Premier League test

Liverpool approach tonight’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa aiming to respond with authority after recent setbacks. Yet the squad situation adds complexity for Arne Slot, who confirmed in his pre match press duties that Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are “99.9 per cent sure” to miss out. The hosts, still pursuing rhythm and consistency as the season unfolds, must again adapt without key figures.

Isak’s record move to Liverpool late in the window fuelled significant optimism across Anfield, but his early spell has been interrupted by fitness complications. The striker was withdrawn against Eintracht Frankfurt with a groin issue and now faces a third consecutive absence. Jones, meanwhile, departed during the second half of last weekend’s 3-2 loss to Brentford, compounding selection frustration.

With Alisson Becker continuing to recover from a hamstring injury, and Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni also unavailable, depth becomes a factor once more. Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was rested for midweek duties, is set to return in goal.

Return to familiar structure expected

Slot briefly moved away from his preferred set up in midweek, opting to mirror Crystal Palace’s back three. However, the coach minimised its significance, remarking “I wouldn’t see too much into that”. A familiar back four is therefore anticipated, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate expected to return to central defence after a planned rest.

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Joe Gomez remains an option at the back should Liverpool choose to reinforce defensive discipline, particularly with clean sheets proving scarce since the 1-0 win over Burnley in September. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez provides energy and forward impetus.

A note of optimism arrives through Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder has resumed full training after a twisted ankle sustained in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Anfield, and if passed fit, he competes with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz for three midfield roles.

Forward line settled

Liverpool’s attacking structure is expected to remain unchanged from the defeat at Brentford.

Cody Gakpo supports from the left, while Hugo Ekitike offers movement across the line. Wirtz is pushing to start, adding additional creative dimension between midfield and attack.

Predicted Liverpool lineup

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike

Injured: Alisson, Frimpong, LeoniDoubts: Gravenberch, Isak, JonesSuspended: NalloKick off: 8pm GMT, Saturday 1 November 2025Venue: AnfieldBroadcast: TNT Sports