Liverpool predicted starting line-up vs Aston Villa - as big Darwin Nunez call made - gallery
Will Rooney
·3-min read
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Picture: LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool aim to continue their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 Premier League season when they welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Sunday (14.00 BST).
The Reds might not have been at their scintallating best in their opening three games but Jurgen Klopp will be more than pleased with what he’s observed and the seven points garnered to boot.
Certainly, the Liverpool boss couldn’t have been any prouder watching his side battle back from behind to earn a 2-1 win at Newcastle United last week. That would have been a fine feat in itself yet the Reds were reduced to 10 men after the sending-off of Virgil van Dijk. But the barnstorming impact of Darwin Nunez off the bench as he punished the Magpies twice with two devastating counter-attackings.
Immense against Newcastle and will have to be on his toes again. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Nunez’s double means will be hoping he’s done enough to start, while Klopp will be without his skipper van Dijk against a Villa side who - after being thrashed by Newcastle in their curtain-raiser - have won their past two matches. Ibrahima Konate and Thiago Alcantara both again miss out with injury while deadline-day signing Ryan Gravenberch was not registered in time to feature.
With all that in mind, here’s the Liverpool team we predict to face Aston Villa.
Will captain Liverpool for the first time at Anfield. A big moment for him. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Settled into the Newcastle game and will be aiming to take the positives from that display. Must use all of his experience. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Did well after replacing van Dijk last week following his dismissal. Another performance of that ilk is needed. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Will be interesting to see how the Scotland captain is deployed with the enforced changes in defence. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Another week to have become more integrated into his new surroundings and that will only help. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The £60m summer signing has made a fine start to his Liverpool career. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Forced to play as a makeshift defensive midfielder in the opening games then was part of a rearguard action last week. The Argentina international will want to show his capabilities going forward. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Continues to be linked with a mega-move to Saudi but shouldn’t be affected by such talk. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez will be pushing to start after his game-changing cameo at Newcastle but sticking with Gakpo may perhaps be the wiser choice given his ability to link-up play. Understandably was quiet last week with Liverpool playing most of the game down to 10 men. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Started the season in top form and will be aiming to run amok once more. (Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool celebrating to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on August 27, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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