Aston Villa face yet another vital Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon when they travel northwest to play Liverpool at Anfield. The Villans kept their dream of qualifying for European football alive with a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last time out, but another positive result is required to progress.
In eighth place and behind Tottenham by just two goal difference as it stands, the Europa Conference League spot is very much up for grabs as long as Villa better Spurs in the final two fixtures. Unai Emery’s side are disadvantaged somewhat by the severity of the games left, but all they can do is focus on themselves.
Liverpool will no doubt be a very tough opposition as they have won seven Premier League matches in a row and are pushing for a last-ditch snatch of a Champions League place. Jürgen Klopp has hailed Villa this week but that doesn’t mean it’ll be an easy victory for the away team, by any means.
Heading into this weekend, the Villans are in a better position when it comes to the team news as just two players are ruled out. The Reds, on the other hand, have four definitely sidelined and a couple of doubts. Flick through the pages to see all the latest.
1. Roberto Firmino - returnee
Liverpool fans will be very excited to hear that Firmino is indeed back and ready for his last-ever game at Anfield - at least for the Reds. Not likely to start but could come off the bench.
2. Darwin Nuñez - doubt
Absent against Leicester City because of a minor toe injury, Nuñez is probably going to be available but remains a doubt as he wasn’t spotted in training on Wednesday.
3. Philippe Coutinho - doubt
The Brazilian magician looks unlikely to make his Anfield return. He was so close to being back but suffered a setback recently. “He had again a small injury. I don’t know exactly how long he’s going to be,” Emery said after the win against Tottenham.
4. Naby Keïta - ruled out
Although he’s been reported to be back training, the Guinean is still severely lacking in match fitness and won’t play against Villa.