Anfield readies itself again, lights warming like a stage curtain on a crisp November night, and Liverpool arrive with familiar purpose in the Premier League. Aston Villa visit with ambitions of their own, yet the noise will swell for a home side keen to steady rhythm after midweek experimentation.

Arne Slot has measured his tone with precision in the build up. He acknowledged fitness concerns and confirmed Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are “99.9 per cent sure” to miss out. Isak’s record signing fanfare has turned quickly into patient waiting, his groin issue pushing this return further into the distance. Jones, withdrawn against Brentford, remains sidelined as Liverpool attempt to navigate a bruising schedule.

Injury landscape shapes Liverpool plan

Long term absentees Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable. Yet there is a glimmer for Ryan Gravenberch, restored to full training following the twisted ankle sustained in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United. Slot confirmed the Netherlands midfielder is in contention, and that subtle boost in the middle of the pitch could matter in a fixture frequently decided by tempo control.

Giorgi Mamardashvili keeps his place in goal with Alisson not yet ready to return. Slot downplayed the tactical curveball of matching Palace’s back three in midweek, noting “I wouldn’t see too much into that”, pointing toward a return to a back four anchored by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Tactical selection picture

Joe Gomez remains an option at right back, especially with Liverpool still searching for their first clean sheet since the win over Burnley in September. Midfield selection has intrigue too, where Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz push for involvement.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike

Kick off: 8pm GMT, Anfield