Anfield braces itself for what could be a defining evening in Liverpool’s season as Arne Slot’s struggling champions host a resurgent Aston Villa in Saturday’s Premier League late kick-off.
Here’s everything you need to know
How to watch
UK TV channel: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate.
Online Streaming: discovery+ and discovery+ App
Kick-off: 8pm GMT, Saturday
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Liverpool:
Just months after lifting their 20th league title, Liverpool find themselves in freefall. A 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League seemed to offer a glimmer of revival, but that optimism has quickly faded. Successive defeats to Brentford in the league and Crystal Palace in the cup have left confidence at an all-time low.
Arne Slot’s much-criticised rotation policy against Palace backfired spectacularly, with many fans and pundits accusing him of “throwing the tie.” The Dutchman defended his selection, citing fixture congestion and fatigue, but even he admitted that the team “needs to address certain things to do better.”
Saturday’s clash with Villa is not just about points — it’s about pride, identity, and belief. Liverpool haven’t lost five straight league matches in over 70 years, and the prospect of that record falling on home turf would be catastrophic for morale.
Arne Slot is under pressure to prove that his team still knows what it stands for. The atmosphere at Anfield will be tense, expectant, and emotional. A response is needed not just for the table, but for Liverpool’s identity itself.
Aston Villa:
While Liverpool sink into crisis, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa arrive at Anfield riding the crest of a wave. Their 1–0 triumph over Manchester City last weekend was their fourth straight Premier League win, placing them level on points with the Reds and just outside the top four.
Emery’s side have scored in nine consecutive league games after a slow start to the campaign and are playing with confidence, intensity, and purpose. Their shock 1–0 Europa League defeat to Go Ahead Eagles was a blip, explained by heavy rotation. In the Premier League, Villa have beaten Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham, and City a run that marks them as genuine top-four contenders.
The numbers, however, don’t favour them at Anfield. Villa have lost each of their last 11 Premier League games away to the reigning champions and have won just one of their last 30 that solitary success coming against Manchester United in 2009. They also haven’t triumphed at Anfield since Gabby Agbonlahor’s goal sealed victory in September 2014. Still, given Liverpool’s current malaise, this might feel like their best opportunity in years.
Injury News
Liverpool:
Slot will restore his strongest available XI after fielding a heavily rotated side midweek. The Dutchman will welcome back Ryan Gravenberch, who returned to full training on Thursday, offering a much-needed boost in midfield.
However, Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones remain sidelined, with Slot confirming they are “99.9%” out of contention. Jeremie Frimpong is also unavailable after picking up an injury in Frankfurt, while Alisson continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.
Youngsters Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Baj?eti?, and Jayden Danns are also ruled out, and Amara Nallo is suspended following his red card midweek.
Aston Villa:
Emery will make minimal changes to the side that beat Manchester City. The main concern is Emiliano Buendía, who was seen on crutches after the City game and is ruled out, joining Youri Tielemans and Andrés García on the sidelines. Harvey Elliott is ineligible to face his parent club.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1):
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):
Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Guessand, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
What the Managers Said
Arne Slot:
“We have to address certain things, but if I talk about that, people say I’m making excuses. Maybe it’s better to say we just need to be better. There are a lot of positives too — the quality of the players, the chances we still create from open play — that gives me belief we can compete for the positions we want.”
Unai Emery:
“I have massive respect for Liverpool. They can have moments where the results are not good, but the coach showed last year his capacity and experience. How they played last year was amazing.
Our commitment and intensity will be key. To stop them is very difficult, but we are motivated and ready for the challenge.”
