Liverpool team news: Predicted XI vs Aston Villa with Nunez and Konate decisions made

Liverpool will face a tricky test at Anfield this afternoon in their final Premier League game before the international break. The Reds will entertain Aston Villa, who will be desperate to bounce back from last weekend’s heavy defeat at Tottenham.

A win for Liverpool would see them retain their advantage at the top of the table, regardless of how Manchester City get on against Brighton. Staying at the summit would be a huge boost for the Merseyside giants heading into next week’s international break.

Villa, meanwhile, are on a four-game winless run in all competitions but are still capable of mixing it with the best teams in the league.

Express Sport takes a look at how Liverpool could line up later today…

Liverpool predicted XI vs Aston Villa

Goalkeeper – Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher will feature between the sticks for Liverpool once again, with Alisson Becker still out injured. The latter is stepping up his recovery from a hamstring injury and will be hoping to make a comeback after the international break.

The game against Villa will come too soon, though, meaning Kelleher will make his fourth successive Premier League start.

Defence – Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson

The only real question in Liverpool’s back line will be on the left side of defence. Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have both featured heavily under Arne Slot but the Scotland international might just get the nod.

The other three positions essentially pick themselves with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate set to feature from the start.

Midfield – Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones

Curtis Jones is enjoying an impressive run of form and could be preferred to Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield against Villa. Ryan Gravenberch has also excelled for Liverpool this season and is unlikely to be dropped this afternoon.

Alexis Mac Allister will occupy the other midfield role, with Wataru Endo able to come on and provide some energy in the second half.

Attack – Salah, Diaz, Nunez

Cody Gakpo opened his account in the Champions League in midweek but could be dropped to the bench against Villa. Darwin Nunez is fresher and is likely to be called upon to lead the line for Liverpool.

There will be no surprises on the wings, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah set to be deployed out wide this afternoon.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez.