Aston Villa welcome Premier League champions, Liverpool, to Villa Park in the third round of the FA Cup in Friday night and they will be looking to secure another win over Jurgen Klopp’s inconsistent side after the early-season 7-2 thrashing of the Anfield Club.
Aston Villa were gifted one whole week to prepare for the clash as they will not be involved in any Premier League action till they clash with the Reds. Regardless of the outcome of this fixture, Aston Villa fans will still hold their 7-2 win over Liverpool in the opening stages of the current campaign at heart and won’t forget in a hurry.
Liverpool have had to suffer injury crises this season, which may mean that Klopp will have to inject some changes into the side that will play the Villans. Here is a list of players that may or may not feature in the game.
Thiago Alcantara
The midfielder who was initially out with a knee injury made his return against Aston Villa last week as he came off the bench in the 0-0 draw. He also started the game against Southampton in Monday night’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Saints in their Saint Mary’s Stadium.
He may be brought back into the starting eleven having built momentum with these two games or may be given some rest so he doesn’t accumulate fatigue.
Diogo Jota
Portugal International attacker Jota has been out of action with a knee injury he sustained against his former club Wolves. He is not expected to be in action as he battles to regain fitness.
Joel Matip
Defender Matip was brought off in the game against Newcastle United after sustaining an adductor injury. He is also ruled out for the tie.
Konstantinos Tsimikas
His injury is similar to that of Jota’s and can’t make an appearance in the fixture.
Naby Keita
He is still out with a muscle injury and is not returning yet.
Joe Gomez
His knee injury is still keeping him out.