LIVERPOOL VS ASTON VILLA: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host Aston Villa tomorrow for what is the last game at Anfield this campaign. Here’s how Jürgen Klopp could line his side up for what is sure to be an emotional encounter. For a match preview, you can head over here.

The manager has confirmed the return of Roberto Firmino, with the Brazilian fit to feature in his farewell game at Anfield. There will be no dry eyes in the house when Bobby (and the other three) say goodbye to the home faithful after the game. In other fitness news, Darwin Nunez has been ruled out with a toe injury.

We can expect to see Klopp go with his strongest available side once again, with the manager limiting the alterations to his selection over the past few weeks. The consistency has helped, with the players working out the new system and implementing it to devastating effect.

We will see little to no changes tomorrow as well. In goal will be Alisson Becker, with the Brazilian no doubt aiming to extend his current run of three clean sheets on the spin. He remains in the running for the Golden Glove, an accolade that would underline just what a brilliant season he’s had.

In defence, we should continue to see what is now the first choice back three of Konaté, Van Dijk and Robertson. The back three will have to be in sync up against the wily Ollie Watkins. The Villa striker has been in magnificent form under Emery and will pose a threat with his runs in behind.

In midfield, Trent will partner Fabinho in the double pivot once again, with in-form Curtis Jones further ahead on the left. The manager has a decision to make on the right. He opted for Gakpo over Henderson in that role when Brentford visited Anfield, in a bid to overload their packed defence.

Darwin led the line in that match and won the penalty that won the game, vindicating the manager’s decision to select four forwards. Does he do similar against Emery’s disciplined setup? Or does he opt for the extra security Henderson provides?

Villa will no doubt seek to soak pressure and hit swiftly on the break. The likes of Ramsey and McGinn will have to be tracked going the other way so it is probably better to try and match that with the energy of Henderson.

The front three of Salah, Gakpo and Diaz have been preferred in recent weeks and could get another outing here. Jota is an option to come in for Diaz after the Colombian failed to sizzle at Leicester, but his understanding with Jones down that left side is a major weapon.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Matip, Tsimikas, Milner, Elliott, Firmino, Jota, Carvalho.

Predicted Villa XI (4-4-2): Martinez, Young, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins.