OPINION
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to swap all 11 of the players who started against Arsenal on Wednesday for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
The German made a full slate of changes for the Carabao Cup draw with the Gunners, which his team won on penalties, and is set to do the same against the Villans.
With that said, there will likely be members of the Wednesday team on the bench, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Divock Origi, who could potentially start at Villa Park.
However, the safest bet is that Klopp reverts to the Liverpool team that battled to a deserved 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
First choice goalkeeper Alisson is back to full fitness and got a nice rest in mid-week. The Brazilian will almost certainly keep his place ahead of Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the number one choice at right back, despite teenager Neco Williams’ heroics against Arsenal. He can expect to start once again on Saturday. On the opposite side of the defence, meanwhile, Andrew Robertson will surely stay put.
Dejan Lovren has come under fire from some quarters after the Spurs game – what’s new? – but seems to have the trust of his manager at the moment. He will likely start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
In central midfield, Oxlade-Chamberlain will feel unlucky to miss out after his mid-week wonder goal. However, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum played well against Spurs and can all expect to keep their places.
Up front, it’s a similar story to in midfield. Origi grabbed a terrific brace on Wednesday, but will likely still find himself on the bench on Saturday. That’s because Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are the finest front three in the Premier League. All three will surely start against Dean Smith’s side.
