Here is everything you need to know ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa tonight.
Kick-off time
Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 7:30 PM GMT
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
How to watch in the UK
TV Channel and live stream: TNT Sports 2 & TNT Sports Ultimate (Coverage from 6:30 PM GMT)
Liverpool travel to Villa Park for a crucial Premier League clash in the midst of a demanding run of fixtures. They could go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win tonight.
This match was originally scheduled for March, but was brought forward due to Liverpool’s participation in the Carabao Cup final. It kicks off a defining week for the league leaders, who also face Manchester City on Sunday before hosting Newcastle United next Tuesday.
Team news and predicted lineups
Liverpool
Injuries: Cody Gakpo (foot), Joe Gomez (hamstring), Tyler Morton (shoulder)
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Aston Villa
Injuries: Boubacar Kamara (muscle injury), Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Amadou Onana
Doubts: Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa (late fitness tests)
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Garcia, Disasi, Mings, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Asensio, Rogers, Rashford; Watkin
Villa’s tough test against Europe’s best
Unai Emery’s side are in the middle of a hectic schedule, playing five matches in just 14 days. Despite the challenge, the Villa boss believes it is a sign of their progress. Speaking ahead of the game, Emery acknowledged the scale of the test awaiting his team.
“This is the most difficult match we’re going to play in the last weeks or months of the season,” Emery said.
“Liverpool are the best team in the Premier League and Europe. Our challenge is how we respond with our qualities and how we play at this level.”
Villa have strengthened their attack in the January transfer window, bringing in Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan, as well as the permanent signing of Donyell Malen.
Liverpool’s title charge continues
Arne Slot’s men remain unbeaten away from home in the league this season and come into this fixture after a 2-1 victory over Wolves, maintaining their seven-point lead at the top. The Dutchman is aware of the challenge ahead but insists his team will take it one game at a time.
“Villa away is one of the tougher fixtures you can face,” Slot admitted. “They have a great home record, even more so in evening games, so we know this will be a challenge.”
Liverpool will be boosted by the availability of Curtis Jones after his suspension, while Arne Slot will remain on the touchline despite receiving a red card in the Merseyside derby.
