Anfield hosts a fascinating match-up between two of the Premier League’s early high-flyers today, as Liverpool face Aston Villa. Both sides have won all of their games since a tricky opening weekend and want to head into the international break in fine spirit with a win this afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s side is without new signing Ryan Gravenberch but finally look to have improved their midfield situation with the deadline day purchase. Darwin Nunez has earned a starting berth after his brace off the bench secured a huge victory at Newcastle a week ago.
Villa, meanwhile, come into this one off the back of a Europa Conference League cruise past Hibernian and a win on Merseyside will boost their confidence of competing on multiple fronts this season. This game is not on TV in the UK but you can follow Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE via Standard Sport’s matchday blog!
Live updates
A lot of eyes will be on Mohamed Salah today amid those Saudi transfer rumours.
He’s created or scored a goal in each of his last nine league games – bagging four goals and seven assists!
Milestone for Jurgen Klopp
The Liverpool boss takes charge of his 300th Premier League game today.
His team have come a long way since that 0-0 draw with Tottenham in October 2015.
In fact, none of his squad is even at the club anymore! The team that day featured Simon Mignolet in goal plus Adam Bogdan and Kolo Toure on the bench.
Jurgen Klopp tells Sky he has no worries over Mohamed Salah
“I don’t have to, this was a media story. My desk is not busy with this news, we never though about it.
“Mo was completely normal, good training week. There was nothing from my point of view to think about.”
Unai Emery previews Aston Villa gameplan on BBC Sport
“Always Anfield is difficult and a big challenge.
“We want to play the matches at a high level and we are going to face one of the best teams in the Premier League.
“We want to try and impose our style and here I am very excited to watch us against them.”
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Countdown to kick-off
The warm-ups are in full flow at Anfield with kick-off just over 20 minutes away!
Lucky fans catch Liverpool’s stars en route to Anfield
Throwback: Steven Gerrard helps Liverpool demolish Villa
Liverpool backed for the win
Dimitar Berbatov has backed his old rivals to come out on top today.
“I think Liverpool will be buzzing with that win against Newcastle with 10 men because that was difficult to do at St James’ Park,2 he told Betfair.
“The Nunez goals are moments that can turn your fortune for a team when you have your chance. The two goals are in the past so he has to concentrate on the next game and score again. I will go for them to win again against Villa.”
A big day of top-flight action ahead of us
Emi Martinez fit for Aston Villa
A fitness boost for the away team as Emi Martinez returns to take his place between the posts.
Alex Moreno is not fit to play but Leander Dendoncker is on the bench.
