Liverpool vs Aston Villa Team News
Two clubs with sharply defined ambitions collide at Anfield, and the build up carries a whiff of intrigue. Liverpool, champions in 2024-25 and now deep into Arne Slot’s second campaign, seek rhythm after a jolt in midweek. Aston Villa arrive hoping to spring a surprise without several key figures. It feels like one of those fixtures that rarely drifts quietly into the night, and squad availability may influence the tactical picture as much as form.
Aston Villa challenges in attacking areas
Unai Emery confirmed that playmaker Emi Buendia will miss the trip to Liverpool. Buendia shares top scoring honours with John McGinn on three goals and, with two assists, remains Villa’s most productive attacking contributor so far. His absence strips Villa of their most inventive connector between midfield and attack, something Emery acknowledged when noting the Argentine will not feature on Saturday.
There is another enforced omission, with Harvey Elliott unavailable due to loan terms. Despite joining on deadline day, the 22 year old has struggled for minutes, having featured for just four minutes across five October matches. Even so, with Buendia sidelined, Elliott might have benefited from an opportunity but cannot face his parent club.
Villa are also without right back Andres Garcia and Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder’s quality in big fixtures is well known, and he scored in the 2-2 draw at Anfield last season. Losing both Tielemans and Buendia narrows Emery’s creative options in the No. 10 channel, where those two and Elliott would typically compete.
Morgan Rogers appears the most likely to step into Buendia’s duties, with Jadon Sancho expected to start from the left. McGinn or Evann Guessand should fill the right flank. Emery’s spine looks secure, as Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins are near certainties to start. In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana should continue unless McGinn drops centrally. Pau Torres is tipped to partner Konsa, although Emery does have occasional curveballs at his disposal through Donyell Malen or Ross Barkley.
Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Sancho; Watkins
Liverpool rotation after Palace setback
Liverpool are operating without Alexander Isak, Curtis Jones, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Alisson. Slot hinted heavily at major rotation after the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, and only Andy Robertson looks poised to retain his place. The Scotland captain managed just 67 minutes in the Carabao Cup while Milos Kerkez completed the match, suggesting Slot kept energy in reserve for Premier League duty.
Squad depth has been a defining trait of Liverpool’s current era. With the calendar already demanding, Slot will expect a reaction, and the Kop routinely responds when adversity looms. Villa, rested after missing midweek duties, may lean on that advantage, yet Anfield on a Saturday night remains a difficult stage for visiting sides.
Final thought
Team news hints at a contest shaped by midfield choices and fresh legs. Liverpool have rotation ammunition. Villa have structure, organisation and Watkins as a persistent threat. Fine margins usually decide this fixture, and with Buendia absent and Elliott sidelined, Emery’s side will need near perfect execution to take points away from a Liverpool side eager to reset momentum.
