Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Team news as Salah returns to bench for battle to secure Champions League place | OneFootball

Arne Slot has ‘every reason to believe’ he will not be sacked

Arne Slot says he has every reason to believe he will be in charge of Liverpool again next season as he expressed his confidence he will not be sacked.

The Dutchman is involved in discussions about Liverpool’s summer plans while his talks with the club’s hierarchy do not give him any concerns he will be dismissed, despite their disappointing campaign.

Richard Jolly15 May 2026 19:00

Slot on dropping points

"We've also dropped points quite a lot in the last phase of a game, which maybe also has to do with the amount of games we have to play,” added Slot.

“That's not different to any other team but it's been done by mainly the same players.

"So, that's also why I have so much respect for these players, that they are in a difficult season – physically and mentally – and they have constantly been available, and that's been mainly the same players."

Slot on Liverpool's away form

"That's one of the reasons why we're in the position we are in, and what I mean with that is we wanted to be higher or doing better this season. But we've dropped far too many points in away games,” said the Liverpool boss when asked why Liverpool’s form away from home has been poor.

"And as I said, that's maybe always happening in the end of the season, you constantly feel you are telling everyone the same things. But dropping points in away games has mainly happened after playing in Europe, in games where usually Liverpool is able to win.

"Now Villa away doesn't matter if you play it after a game in Europe or after a week of rest, because this will always be a difficult game.”

Mike Jones15 May 2026 18:48

Aston Villa team to face Liverpool

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Watkins, Buendia

Mike Jones15 May 2026 18:47

Villa Park will create a great atmosphere

More from Emery who spoke about the atmosphere he is expecting from the Aston Villa supporters.

“It’s a fantastic match,” said Villa’s boss. “I’m very motivated and excited, looking forward to the test as a team and as individuals.

“In Villa Park we will try to create a great atmosphere. Our supporters must be with us, and it should be a very good day.

“It was a special day when we were playing for the first time at home in a semi-final second leg. We needed them and they showed us their wishes to be with us, creating this atmosphere.

“Now, it’s the league, and our consistency makes sense when our supporters are helping us and supporting us.”

Liverpool are a fantastic team says Emery

“We are with the same points as them, and that’s something fantastic and something that we must be so proud of,” Unai Emery said of Aston Villa’s performance in the league this year.

“Now it’s about how we can test ourselves, playing against them.

“Liverpool has a fantastic coach, fantastic players. Maybe they’re not being consistent like they were last year, but they’re still a fantastic team, players and coach.

“To play tomorrow against them on day 37 in Villa Park with 59 points is something amazing.”

Mike Jones15 May 2026 18:36

Villa's big squad a good thing says Slot

"They [Villa] played Sunday, I think, so now we play on Friday, so I don't see being tired as a reason," Arne Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

"I think one of the reasons why they are in the final of the Europa League and doing so well in the Premier League is because they have a big squad with many, many very good players and a lot of players that are of the same level, same high level.

"If you don't have that, you're not able to go all the way to the final in the Europa League and do so well in the Premier League.

"And the good thing for them is that, at the moment, they have one or two injuries but not so many. So, I think they are completely ready to go into Friday to go into Wednesday and then go into Sunday."