Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Team news with Salah set to return for battle to secure Champions League place | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz is a doubt

Liverpool may be without Florian Wirtz for this key match against Villa.

Arne Slot explained: "Stomach infection [for Wirtz], so let's see how fit he is for tomorrow.

“He's on antibiotics. Let's see if he's ready to play tomorrow."

(PA)

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:42

Positive injury updates for Liverpool

Arne Slot gave a positive update on three of Liverpool’s key personnel who have missed recent weeks due to injury.

"Ibou [Konate] is OK, trained with us,” said Slot during Thursday’s press conference.

“Mo [Salah] will be available tomorrow for only a few minutes, but hopefully can come in.

"Alisson trains with us again, let's see where he is tomorrow, if he is ready already or has to wait one more week.

Joe Gomez admits uncertainty over Liverpool future

Joe Gomez has admitted he is unsure if he will be at Liverpool again next season as he said that “anything can happen” in the summer.

The defender is Liverpool’s longest-serving player but will enter the last year of his contract while the club have already signed two young defenders who could be his successors.

Richard Jolly15 May 2026 17:30

Liverpool's early team news

Liverpool boss Arne Slot could welcome back three key players this week, with Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and Alisson all in line to make a return at Villa Park.

Wirtz missed the last game through illness, so the Germany midfielder is the likeliest to come back in. Ibrahima Konate will likely face a late fitness test after limping off in the draw to Chelsea.

Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain sidelined, with only Japan international Endo likely to play again before the end of 2025/26.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak.

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:24

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm BST.

Subscribers can also watch online via Sky Go and NOW.

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:12

When is Aston Villa vs Liverpool?

Aston Villa vs Liverpool is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 15 May at Villa Park.

Unai Emery is ready for Liverpool test (PA Wire)

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:06

Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Aston Villa host Liverpool in the Premier League in a match that could have huge bearings on the race for Champions League football this season.

Both sides come into their penultimate league game of 2025/26 level on points, and while Liverpool are ahead on goal difference, a loss for either side could be detrimental to their hopes of finishing in the top five, with Bournemouth lurking just four points behind.

Villa’s run to the Europa League final has come at the expense of their domestic form, with Unai Emery’s side having won just one of their last five games in the Premier League.

However, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have also struggled of late, and with Villa able to fall back on the Europa League final as they bid for Champions League qualification, it certainly feels like this is a vital game for Liverpool as the champions bid to avoid the disaster of missing out on Europe’s top competition for 2026/27.

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:00

Good evening!

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Aston Villa host Liverpool in what could be a decisive clash for the Champions League spots.

Neither team has guaranteed their place in the European top-flight next season and whoever wins tonight will be be sure of a fifth placed finish at the worst.

With that will come a place in Europe’s premium competition next season and the chance to end the Premier League campaign without pressure for the final match of the season.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.