Lucas Digne axed, four changes – Aston Villa predicted XI v Liverpool
Unai Emery could make as many as four changes to his Aston Villa XI for their Premier League clash with Liverpool at Villa Park.
Off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, Emery will be keen to get his side back on track to achieving a top-four finish.
As things stand, the Villans sit six points outside of the Champions League spots, and 22 points behind Liverpool, who have a healthy advantage at the top of the table.
Villa will need to be at their best to achieve any form of result against the Reds and to do so, Emery could make a number of changes to his starting 11.
Two changes in defence for Aston Villa v Liverpool
Emi Martinez will keep his place in goal, having done nothing wrong against Ipswich across the clash. The Argentine impressed with his distribution, having completed 89 per cent of his 28 attempted passes in the game [FotMob].
Andres Garcia should keep his place at right-back after completing 58 of his 60 attempted passes last time out, while Lucas Digne may be axed to be bench in favour of a return to the XI for Ian Maatsen.
Digne recorded a zero per cent completion rate in both crosses and long ball attempts, while failing to win any of his defensive duels, and is fortunate to have not been drooped sooner.
Boubacar Kamara was withdrawn at the interval through injury, meaning Tyrone Mings will likely come back into the side to partner Axel Disasi, who impressed on his Villa debut.
The Frenchman won 67 per cent of his aerial duels, making three clearances and two interceptions.
Villa’s midfield will likely stay the same, with John McGinn partnering Youri Tielemans, who has been a consistent performer this campaign.
Jacob Ramsey to be axed from starting XI
Jacob Ramsey could make way for Marcus Rashford after his impressive showing against the Blues, which saw him register an xA of 0.78.
Marco Asensio gave a good account of himself after coming on in the second half of the game, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles and completing 95 per cent of his passes.
Morgan Rogers will likely occupy the 10 role for Villa, with Ollie Watkins leading the line despite recent criticism.
Watkins was the scorer of the only goal for Villa, making it highly likely that he will retain his place in the side.