Aston Villa to 'win Champions League' after Liverpool announcement - reaction
Aston Villa supporters made their feelings clear on their side's starting XI for the Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Unai Emery has made three changes for Wednesday night's clash with the table-toppers at Villa Park (19 February) from the side which staggered to a 1-1 home draw with Ipswich Town four days prior.
Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have been drafted into the line-up, as well as Tyrone Mings, as Donyell Malen, Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara drop to the bench.
Aston Villa fans left stunned by Emery selection
In a jaw-dropping display of attacking confidence, Emery has gone all-out with his technical quality-glittered team to take the game to Arne Slot's leaders.
Many had believed the Villans boss to be far more conservative in his approach, but with Rashford and Asensio in the side, thousands have now been left excited and eagerly awaiting the contest.
One supporter claimed the starting XI would "win the Champions League", another describing the players fielded as "truly incredible", while another felt bittersweet and urged Emery to be confident enough to hook Morgan Rogers or Ollie Watkins if they have a bad game.
On the whole, however, Aston Villa fans are over the moon with Emery's selection for the sole midweek Premier League contest of the week with one supporter wryly suggesting they could all replace the manager due to their mutual affection for the team chosen.
OMG THEY ARE STARTING— jally (@ItsJallyyy) February 19, 2025
Liverpool carry major threat
Villa Park may be baying for red blood after the line-up announcement, but Emery will be experienced enough to acknowledge what Liverpool will bring.
The defence of Mings, recent signing Axel Disasi, Lucas Digne and Andres Garcia will have their work cut out as a backline, as well as Emi Martinez in the Villans' goal.
The Reds have opted for Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota up top with Mo Salah in the absence of Cody Gakpo, and possess the quality all over the pitch to pick teams off at will.
Liverpool have still lost just one Premier League match all season, against Nottingham Forest back in September, and are 21 unbeaten since, scoring 60 goals and counting this term.
Aston Villa and their exciting front four will come up against the might of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre of Slot's defence, with Andy Robertson at left-back and a key battle between Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite channel.