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Match preview
Can Unai Emery become the first manager in Aston Villa’s top-flight history to begin with three straight wins?
Safe to say, the Villa faithful had firmly had enough of Steven Gerrard by the end, with his tenure ended by a 3-0 drubbing at Fulham.
Emery came in and had an immediate impact, enjoying victories over both Manchester United and Brighton just before the break.
Despite falling behind after 44 seconds in Sussex, Danny Ings’ brace secured a 2-1 victory for the Claret and Blue Army last time out.
This has seen the Villans surge up to 12th, seeking to win three consecutive top-flight home games within the same season for the first time since October 2007.
Liverpool meanwhile are only four points above their hosts, sat sixth, seven points adrift of the top four spots.
Jürgen Klopp’s team have won four of their last six in the league, including notable victories over Manchester City and Tottenham, but have also been beaten by Nottingham Forest and Leeds in this period.
Last Thursday, Liverpool’s Carabao Cup campaign came to an end, ousted in a five-goal thriller at the Etihad.
Both Fábio Carvalho and Mohamed Salah scored equalisers against Man City, but it was the home side who edged through.
So, could Villa Park witness a memorable Boxing Day upset?
Aston Villa team news
Aston Villa only had four players away at the World Cup: Emi Martínez, Matty Cash, Jan Bednarek and Leander Dendoncker.
After his final heroics, and subsequent celebrations, Martínez will not feature here, with Robin Olsen expected between the sticks.
The break came at a good time for Boubacar Kamara, allowing him to regain fitness, but Diego Carlos is a long-term absentee.
Leon Bailey, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey are all one yellow card away from a suspension.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Watkins, Ings.
Liverpool team news
Jürgen Klopp did name a strong XI at the Etihad on Thursday, and will have a few more World Cup participants available here.
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk all didn’t feature in that tie, but are likely to come straight back in here.
Cup keeper Caoimhín Kelleher and 18 year old midfielder Stefan Bajčetić will be amongst those dropping out.
Ibrahima Konaté meantime is enjoying an extended break, after featuring in the final just eight days ago.
James Milner hobbled off on Thursday, making him a doubt to face the club he left over 12 years ago.
Meanwhile, Arthur, Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz are all sidelined long-term.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Fábio Carvalho, Núñez.
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Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Match statistics
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