Liverpool face Aston Villa in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, aiming to arrest their recent slump.
The Reds won their first five league games but have since lost their last four.
By contrast, Villa are one of the league’s most in-form teams, with the victory over Manchester City extending their winning streak to four games.
Match preview
Manager Arne Slot is under intense scrutiny, with Liverpool suffering six defeats in their last seven matches, including two consecutive home losses.
Slot fielded a weakened side in the League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and is hoping his rested stars deliver in Saturday’s showdown with Villa.
The Reds could be ten points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal before kick-off, making the game a must-win.
Villa will be buoyed by confidence ahead of their visit to Liverpool, given their rich vein of form and the morale-boosting victory over City.
The Midlands side will be fresher than Liverpool, having sat out the midweek fixtures.
However, they have just one away win this term and must improve significantly to secure a positive result at Liverpool.
Head-to-head
Since the infamous 7-2 defeat in 2020, Liverpool have yet to lose to Villa, winning seven and drawing three of their previous ten encounters.
Team news
Slot has confirmed that Ryan Gravenberch could be back for Liverpool, but Curtis Jones and Alexander Isak are doubtful.
Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong are ruled out.
Villa will be without Emi Buendia, Youri Tielemans and Andres Garcia.
Key players
Liverpool
Cody Gakpo: The Netherlands international has scored two goals in the last three league games.
Dominik Szoboszlai: The versatile midfielder is the Reds’ most consistent player.
Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers: Rogers has registered a goal involvement in three of his last four league games.
Boubacar Kamara: His concentration and tenacity have been pivotal for Villa’s midfield.
Stats from transfermarkt.com & 11v11.com.
