Liverpool Team News: Arne Slot Set to Revert to Familiar System Ahead of Aston Villa Clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is expected to revert to his tried-and-tested system when his side host Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday night, following tactical experimentation in midweek.
The Dutch coach rotated heavily and matched Crystal Palaceβs back-three formation during the Redsβ Carabao Cup defeat, but he has since downplayed the significance of that switch, suggesting a return to a traditional back four is likely this weekend.
Gravenberch Returns, but Key Trio Still Out
Slot confirmed in his Friday morning press conference that Ryan Gravenberch has returned to full training and could feature in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering a twisted ankle against Manchester United on October 19.
However, the Liverpool boss also revealed that Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are β99.9 per centβ certain to miss the clash, joining Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines.
With Alisson still recovering from a hamstring injury, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to continue in goal. The Georgian shot-stopper, who was rested for the midweek fixture, will be looking to secure his first clean sheet in Liverpool colours.
Defensive Setup and Midfield Selection
Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima KonatΓ© are both expected to return to the starting XI after being rested, while Joe Gomez could be preferred at right-back as Slot looks to solidify a defence that has not kept a Premier League clean sheet since mid-Septemberβs win over Burnley.
In midfield, Slot faces a welcome selection dilemma. If Gravenberch is passed fit, he will compete with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz for a place in the starting trio.
Salah to Lead the Line
In attack, Mohamed Salah is set to start after scoring a spectacular goal against Brentford last weekend. The Egyptian star, however, will be hoping to end his Premier League goal drought at Anfield, having not scored at home since the opening day of the season.
Slot is expected to field the same front three that began at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike partnering Salah in attack.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Aston Villa
Mamardashvili; Gomez, KonatΓ©, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
