Aston Villa vs Liverpool team news: Starting XIs confirmed for Boxing Day clash

Aston Villa and Liverpool have both confirmed their starting lineups and substitutes’ benches ahead of the highly-anticipated Boxing Day clash at Villa Park.

Sweden international goalkeeper Robin Olsen fills in for Emiliano Martinez, who remains on leave with Argentina after his World Cup glory.

The experience of Ashley Young is preferred to Matty Cash at right-back, meanwhile, Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz retain their spots at the base of midfield.

Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Villa as they hope to soar into the top half of the Premier League with victory.

Liverpool will have to make do without injured trio Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, but it is a strong lineup nonetheless.

Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez will be the most advanced Reds on the field, whereas Joel Matip lines up with Virgil van Dijk at the centre of defence.

It looks like a midfield three for Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson preparing for battle in the middle of the park.

Aston Villa starting XI and subs vs Liverpool

Starting XI: Olsen (GK); Young, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Buendia, Watkins, Bailey.

Subs: Marschall (GK), Cash, Ings, Chambers, Bednarek, Coutinho, Dendoncker, Archer, K. Young.

Liverpool starting XI and subs vs Aston Villa

Starting XI: Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Nunez.

Subs: Kelleher (GK), Gomez, Keita, Elliott, Tsimikas, Carvalho, Bajcetic, Phillips, Doak.