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Liverpool can secure Champions League qualification this Friday with a win away at Aston Villa.
The Reds need just three points from their remaining two fixtures to guarantee their place in Europe's premier competition next season, a much-needed bright spot at the close of a disappointing campaign. However, back-to-back setbacks against Manchester United and Chelsea over the last two weeks mean Liverpool must raise their performance level at Villa Park.
Arne Slot faces mounting scrutiny as displays and results continue to disappoint, and the embattled Dutch manager's difficulties have been compounded by a growing injury list. Liverpool carry significant concerns into this crucial Midlands showdown.
Liverpool Sweating on Key Stars
Mohamed Salah's comeback from injury is a welcome boost for Slot, though the outgoing Egyptian will only be available as a substitute against Villa. Ibrahima Konaté has recovered from a knock picked up last weekend and is set to start, as is Alexander Isak following his cameo appearance against Chelsea.
Liverpool remain uncertain over the fitness of Florian Wirtz and Alisson, however. The former is dealing with a stomach infection while the latter has been sidelined for two months with a muscle problem. Both could potentially appear at Villa Park, according to Slot, but neither is guaranteed to feature.
Hugo Ekitiké will be a notable absentee from Liverpool's attack as he continues his lengthy rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo are also still unavailable.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Should Alisson remain unavailable, Mamardashvili will continue in goal. The Georgian only returned from injury last weekend and can expect a demanding afternoon at Villa Park.
RB: Curtis Jones—Right back proved a vulnerable position repeatedly exploited by Chelsea in the previous outing, but Slot's reluctance to trust Joe Gomez means Jones may be handed the task of containing compatriot Morgan Rogers.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Konaté could be lining up for his second-to-last game in a Liverpool shirt as his contract future remains unresolved. Should he depart Anfield, the Frenchman will certainly not be leaving at the height of his abilities.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk will make his 41st consecutive appearance against Villa, with Liverpool's persistent over-dependence on the 34-year-old among several issues that must be addressed in the summer.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Kerkez and Andy Robertson have alternated in recent weeks, but the former looks set to get the nod against Villa. A mixed debut season has nonetheless seen the Hungarian grow considerably after a shaky start.
CM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch registered his sixth goal of the season against Chelsea, a superb effort that makes this his most productive campaign in top-flight football.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister—Another lackluster showing against Chelsea highlighted how sharply Mac Allister's form has dipped. With Endo out injured, Szoboszlai pushed higher and Jones deployed in defense, the Argentine is expected to keep his spot this Friday.
RW: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong was largely ineffective filling in for Salah against Chelsea, contributing little in attack. It reflects Liverpool's thin squad depth that he is set to start once again.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Liverpool's standout performer throughout a troubled season will look to guide the Reds into the top five on Friday. He has consistently been the spark in a Liverpool shirt.
LW: Rio Ngumoha—The teenager was met with jeers when substituted early last weekend, such has been his importance to an already injury-depleted attack. He was Liverpool's lone creative outlet against former club Chelsea.
ST: Alexander Isak—Liverpool will be hoping for a standout display from Isak, who will be eager to draw a line under a grueling debut season. He has yet to score in previous trips to Villa Park, though he does boast three goals against Friday's opponents overall.