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Aston Villa v Liverpool: Starting XI Prediction

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Liverpool face multiple selection issues as they prepare to return to Premier League action against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Boxing Day.

Here is how we think Jurgen Klopp will set up his side for this one:

Goalkeeper- Alisson

Alisson Becker will return between the sticks after Kelleher’s appearance in the Carabao Cup against Manchester City on Thursday.

Defence- Trent, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson

Liverpool should have a fully fit first choice back line for this one with Virgil Van Dijk replacing Joe Gomez at the heart of the defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will also come back into the side as James Milner is expected to miss this one after going off injured against City.

Joel Matip and Andy Robertson will keep their place in the back four for this one.

Midfield- Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson

I expect Klopp to go full strength for this one.

Fabinho looked much better than what he has done so far this season in his substitute appearance against City, whilst Thiago will continue in the middle.

It will be either Jordan Henderson or Harvey Elliott to slot into the right-hand side of Liverpool’s midfield trio, but I expect Klopp to start the captain.

Forwards- Salah, Nunez, Carvalho

With the injuries to Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino, Klopp is left with just two natural forwards in Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.

It’s between Fabio Carvalho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to fight for the final spot in the front three, but after Carvalho getting on the scoresheet on Thursday, I think he just edges this one.

Bench- Kelleher, Gomez, Phillips, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Keita, Elliott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Doak.

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