Liverpool’s starting lineup vs Aston Villa - predicted

Here’s our predicted Liverpool lineup to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Monday 13th May 2024.

Liverpool head to Aston Villa on Monday (8pm, live on Sky Sports) for a fixture that likely doesn’t mean much. Their chances of the Premier League title are ludicrously slim as it is - they could literally be over by the time they play.

But this game will carry some meaning no matter what. It’s Jurgen Klopp’s final fixture as Liverpool boss in front of the travelling support.

It’s his penultimate game in charge full-stop and the desire to send him off in style surely still remains. Even if there technically isn’t anything to play for.

So here’s our prediction for Klopp’s final away lineup at Villa Park.

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Defence

We’re predicting the back five to remain the same as it was against Tottenham Hotspur last week. That means Alisson Becker in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Andy Robertson at left-back and Jarell Quansah partnering Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.

Now, the only real question here is Quansah. He’s been very good when given the nod of late but it’s entirely possible that Klopp wants Ibrahima Konaté back in the XI. He has been first choice alongside Van Dijk all season, after all.

Quansah retaining his place vs Spurs told us that Klopp might just prefer the youngster right now. If that’s the case, there’s little reason to drop him here.

Midfield

It’s virtually impossible to predict the midfield from game to game. Alexis Mac Allister is essentially the only standout there, with everyone else having some sort of inconsistency about them.

The Argentine certainly starts if fit - but who partners him? We think Harvey Elliott keeps his place, too. As Owen Hargreaves put it: it was a brilliant goal last week "by a fabulous young player".

It would only be his 10th Premier League start of the campaign - a missed opportunity with a player who's been so bright?

As for the third midfielder, we'll guess that Wataru Endo drops out for Dominik Szoboszlai. A very attacking midfield - but one who could overwhelm a potentially tired Villa side.

Attack

Another area we imagine will remain the same as there isn't much reason to change it. Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are the three most in-form forwards, with Darwin Nunez struggling right now.

Diogo Jota could be back in the squad for this but it's unlikely that he'll be ready to start. Hopefully, though, he can get some second-half minutes.