- Unai Emery has made three changes from the side that faced Burnley last weekend
- Pau Torres, Lucas Digne and Emi Buendía all come in
- Liverpool have made one change with Joe Gomez replacing Jeremie Frimpong
Unai Emery has made three changes to his starting XI this evening. With three points needed for Champions League qualification, he has named his strongest lineup with players currently available. Liverpool on the other hand have made one change.
Last weekend, Villa were very disappointing in their 2-2 draw with relegated Burnley. A lack of intensity, paired with some mistakes, led to them failing to pick up a crucial three points ahead of their tricky remaining fixtures.
Tonight, they welcome a Liverpool side, who are level on points with them, and are also looking to secure qualification for Europe’s elite competition. Arne Slot’s side drew 1-1 with Chelsea last time out, in what summed up a pretty inconsistent season for the Reds.
Emery has made three changes to his team, with Pau Torres, Lucas Digne and Emi Buendía all coming in.
Tried and trusted back four
After poor performances from both Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen against Burnley, Emery has reverted to his usual back four.
Pau Torres returns alongside Ezri Konsa. It is his first Premier League appearance since 25th April, after Emery rested him for the previous two games.
Lucas Digne, who has been called up to France’s World Cup squad, replaces Ian Maatsen at left-back, whilst Matty Cash keeps his place.
Strongest attack
Victor Lindelöf continues his run of games in midfield, partnering Youri Tielemans once again. The Swede has slotted seamlessly in place of the injured Amadou Onana, who is expected to return for the Europa League final next week.
Meanwhile, in attack, Emi Buendía replaces Ross Barkley in the No 10, with Morgan Rogers and John McGinn ever-present on the flanks. Buendía seems to be peaking at the right time, after scoring two goals and providing one assist in his last three appearances in all competitions.
Finally, Ollie Watkins leads the line. This will be his 54th game he has featured in this season, and he is just three goals away from 20, despite having a shocking first half of the campaign.
Confirmed lineups
Aston Villa confirmed XI: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Lindelöf, Tielemans, McGinn, Buendía, Rogers, Watkins
Subs: Bizot, Garcia, Maatsen, Bogarde, Barkley, Luiz, Bailey, Sancho, Abraham
Liverpool confirmed XI: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Ngumoha, Gakpo
Subs: Woodman, Robertson, Nyoni, McConnell, Chiesa, Wirtz, Salah, Wright, Ndiaye
