Liverpool XI To Face Aston Villa
A struggling Liverpool side visit Aston Villa on Sunday in search of a much-needed win. It has been a disappointing 2016 for Liverpool so far in Premier League football as they have managed only one scrappy victory over Norwich City in six league outings. Aston Villa, on the other hand, are still at the bottom of the league table, despite their last weekend victory over Norwich. Jurgen Klopp’s team suffered a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday night against West Ham United in the FA Cup.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper should start against Villa on Sunday, as Adam Bogdan has fallen out of favour. Mignolet has struggled somewhat this season between the sticks but still remains the best option Klopp has.
Defenders: Kolo Toure, Mamadou Sakho, Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Jordan Rossiter will miss Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa, therefore, Toure will start alongside Sakho as the second centre back. Moreno will start on the left though he has been criticized slightly for his lackluster display early on in the season but recently he has been reliable at the back. Clyne has been consistent this season and should start on Sunday.
Midfielders: James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Coutinho and Adam Lallana
The good news for Klopp is that he should have most of his first team midfielders fit for the clash against Aston Villa. Henderson should start as holding midfielder, with Can and Milner on the left and right respectively. Can has been very consistent this season, while the other Liverpool players have flattered to deceive. The return of Coutinho has come at a perfect time for Klopp, with Liverpool struggling since the turn of the year. Lallana should start on the right wing, ahead of Milner.
Striker: R. Firmino
With Sturridge just returning from injury, Klopp might want to exercise caution with his star striker, which would mean Firmino should start up front for the Reds. He has done well as a number nine while the big money summer signing Benteke has struggled to cement his place in the starting XI.