Missing Players and team news:
Klopp has confirmed that Naby Keita’s first-half withdrawal against Real Madrid in midweek was for tactical reasons, meaning that the midfielder is available to feature again this weekend. The Liverpool boss is likely to have one eye on Wednesday’s return fixture against Los Blancos, although he will know that Saturday’s match could be every bit as important to their hopes of being in the Champions League again next season. Roberto Firmino is expected to return, but Klopp could take the opportunity to rest one of Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane, with Xherdan Shaqiri pushing for a start. That said, Mane’s record against Villa – eight goals in seven appearance across all competitions – could be enough to see him start once again. Thiago Alcantara could come back into the starting lineup too, although he is likely to start against Madrid on Wednesday and so may be left out in favour of former Villa man James Milner. Divock Origi is the latest name to have joined the injury list, while Liverpool are still without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Caoimhin Kelleher too. Villa are still sweating over the fitness of captain Grealish, who has missed the last seven games with a shin injury and remains a major doubt for Saturday. Wesley is Smith’s only other injury worry. Barkley will hope to earn a recall to the starting XI for this one, while Trezeguet’s brace off the bench last weekend should be enough to see him included.
