Premier League football is back and Aston Villa host Liverpool in the 5:30pm kick-off this Boxing Day. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming fixture at Villa Park…
THE BUILD UP
After a six week absence from domestic football, JΓΌrgen Klopp’s Liverpool are up next on Villa’s calendar as Unai Emery looks to make it a hat-trick of league wins to begin his tenure at the club. The Villans sit 12th in the Premier League prior to the festive action and will look to take all three points in this one to end the year on a high.
The Reds meanwhile hope to bounce back from Thursday’s cup defeat to Manchester City and climb further towards the UEFA Champions League places. The Merseyside club finished for the World Cup in 6th place following a 2-1 win at home to Southampton.
Both sides worked hard during the winter break, playing a number of mid-season games to maintain fitness and work on ideas and philosophies.
Aston Villa started preparations with a charity game in honor of the late Peter Whittingham. The squad then took a trip to Dubai and played both Chelsea and Brighton before returning back to England to play Villarreal at Villa Park and Everton behind closed doors.
Klopp’s men also ventured to Dubai and faced French side Lyon and Italian champions AC Milan before heading to Etihad Stadium for Carabao Cup action in midweek.
TEAM NEWS
Heading into Monday evening’s game, Unai Emery faces several problems regarding personnel; one being the goalkeeper. Emi MartΓnez enjoyed World Cup success with Argentina and has been celebrating in his home nation with the rest of the squad and family. Whilst unconfirmed, the No.1 is expected to miss next week’s contest, but may return for the visit to Tottenham on new years day.
Robin Olsen is reportedly struggling with a minor injury after young ‘keeper Filip Marshall started between the sticks in the latest friendly fixture against Everton. If both MartΓnez and Olsen are unavailable, the 20 year-old is in line to make his Premier League debut.
Elsewhere, Philippe Coutinho is back on the grass and training with the rest of the squad. The Brazilian midfielder missed the last two months worth of action with a hamstring injury, but now appears available for selection once again.
Defender Diego Carlos has made positive strides in his road to recovery, but is not yet ready. The fitness of both Emi BuendΓa and Jacob Ramsey will also be closely monitored ahead of game day after the pair struggled with niggles over the winter break.
JΓΌrgen Klopp will be without forwards Luis DΓaz and Diogo Jota until next year. DΓaz recently suffered a second injury on his knee and will be away from the pitch until March at the latest, whilst Jota is expected to return in February after missing the last couple of months with a calf problem.
Also missing are midfielders Arthur Melo and Curtis Jones who are sidelined through thigh and calf injuries respectively.
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A BIT ON LIVERPOOL
Liverpool had made an underwhelming start to the season and would have used the World Cup break to regroup and get their heads together again. After 14 games played, the six-time UEFA Champions League winners find themselves on 22 points – seven points behind Antonio Conte’s Spurs who occupy fourth spot.
With six wins, four draws and four defeats, JΓΌrgen Klopp will hope his side can improve their form as the midway point of the season looms. The 2018/19 Champions League winners finished just a point behind winners Manchester City last season but Pep Guardiola’s side are already ten points clear at this stage.
In Europe, The Reds will face Spanish giants Real Madrid in the first knockout phase after finishing second on goal difference in Group A behind the high-flying Napoli side. Domestically, they are of course out of the Carabao Cup, but Klopp’s men will host Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves in the FA Cup third round next month.
Villa boss Unai Emery has faced Liverpool seven times during his managerial career and has only won once; losing five and drawing once. The victory was significant however as it happened to be the 2015/16 Europa League final where Emery tactically inspired his Sevilla side to a second-half comeback victory in Basel.
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PREDICTED LINE-UP
Let’s take a look at Liam’s predicted line-up for this big boxing day fixture…
Do you agree? Who makes your side?
Have your own attempt by accessing the following link: https://utvpodcast.co.uk/line-up-selector/.
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
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