Liverpool Clash with Aston Villa: Bold Predictions, Key Battles and Starting XI Revealed

Liverpool seek to prevent a fifth consecutive Premier League loss and seventh defeat in eight games when they welcome Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The Reds approach the weekend in terrible form following another disappointing result in midweek. After suffering defeat at Brentford last weekend, Arne Slot's heavily rotated squad fell 3–0 to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup fourth round—marking one of the club's most humiliating Anfield losses in recent memory and their third defeat to the Eagles this season.

The heat is intensifying on Arne Slot, who faces scrutiny in every post-game press conference, and the Dutch manager will be anxious to prevent another humiliation on Saturday against a confident Villa side. Liverpool haven't experienced five consecutive league defeats since 1953.

Villa will undoubtedly test them to the maximum this weekend and travel to Anfield in completely contrasting form to their opponents. Their surprising loss to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League was an anomaly, with the Villans bouncing back through an outstanding 1–0 triumph over Manchester City last Sunday to continue their four-match winning streak in the Premier League.

Although Villa haven't defeated Liverpool since the memorable 7–2 victory during the coronavirus pandemic, they have secured three stalemates in their previous five encounters in this matchup. They understand they can overtake the Reds this weekend with a win and will be keen to inflict further pain on the defending Premier League champions.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.

What Time Does Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Kick Off?

Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Liverpool vs. Aston Villa on TV, Live Stream

Liverpool Team News

Slot will return to a recognizable starting eleven against Villa after facing backlash for his weakened team selection against Palace in midweek. He will be delighted by the comeback of fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch, who resumed training on Thursday following a three-match absence.

Nevertheless, Liverpool will be missing Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones for Saturday, with Slot stating he's "99.9%" confident they won't participate. This guarantees an uncontested start for Hugo Ekitiké, who was rested midweek alongside most of his first-team colleagues.

Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable after picking up an injury during his return to Germany against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, while Alisson continues to be absent with a hamstring problem. The pair join youngsters Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajčetić and Jayden Danns in the medical bay.

Amara Nallo wouldn't have been considered against Villa regardless, but is unavailable due to suspension after receiving his second red card in just his second Liverpool appearance midweek.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.

Aston Villa Team News

Villa face several fitness doubts of their own for the trip to Merseyside, with Emiliano Buendía recently joining the injured list. The Argentine was seen using crutches after picking up a knock in the victory over Man City in their last outing.

Buendía is alongside Youri Tielemans and Andrés García in the infirmary, both of whom are expected to remain out until after the November international break. Harvey Elliott cannot feature against his parent club Liverpool and will miss this weekend's fixture.

Villa's early Carabao Cup elimination means they had a free midweek, giving them time to prepare for a crucial battle with Liverpool. The injured Buendía is expected to be Unai Emery's sole alteration from an impressive victory over the Citizens.

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Guessand, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.

Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Score Prediction

Current form would suggest Villa as favorites for this encounter, but there's a feeling that Liverpool's luck must shift soon and Saturday could offer them the perfect catalyst. Playing before the passionate Anfield supporters and under the lights, the Reds will be extremely determined to reverse their fortunes.

Villa may be enjoying superb form, but they haven't triumphed at Anfield since 2014 and have found it difficult at the ground since returning to the Premier League in 2019–20. They will believe they can find the net against a defense that consistently fails to record shutouts, but they will be cautious of Liverpool's tremendous attacking threat.

In truth, it's a match that could swing either direction, but Liverpool's home field advantage and higher quality suggests we're supporting them to halt their losing run and get back to winning form.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Aston Villa