BREAKING

22 Things: What you need to know ahead of Villa v Liverpool

GREALISH KLOPP

Villa are all set ahead of a tasty late kick off against Premier League Champions Liverpool this evening – The Villa Underground has compiled a list of key facts and stats ahead of kick off.

After victories over Sheffield United (1-0) and Fulham (0-3), Dean Smith will be mindful that facing the former European Champions represents a significant step up in opponent.

Don’t miss the confirmed team news, match preview and key facts – available as always 1 hour before kick off. To avoid losing out, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to the newsletter.

YOU NEED TO KNOW

  1. The visitors are expected to make eight (rotated) changes after their Carabao Cup loss to Arsenal on penalties midweek.
  2. Diogo Jota, formerly of Wolves, is expected to debut for Liverpool.
  3. Both Villa and Liverpool have 100% records so far this term.
  4. Villa have defeated Sheffield Utd and Fulham, taking 6 from 6 available.
  5. It took Villa 8 games to reach 6 points last season.
  6. Sadio Mane and new signing Thiago will not feature due to Coronavirus.
  7. Matip, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Henderson are out as well.
  8. Engels, Hause, Heaton, Wesley, Nyland are all out for Villa.
  9. Jota won’t feature either – he terminated his deal with immediate effect.
  10. Jack Grealish will return to captain Villa after a dead leg against Fulham.
  11. Ross Barkley, a boyhood Everton fan, is expecte to start for AVFC.
  12. Klopps side have won the last 5 consecutive games against Villa.
  13. Dean Smith will be mindful that Villa last beat Liverpool at home in 2011.
  14. Concerningly for us, this is the fixture with the highest PL away victories (20).
  15. We haven’t managed to beat reigning Champions at VP since 1998 (Arsenal)
  16. Robertson is dangerous: he’s delivered either a goal or assist in the last 7 of his 8 games.
  17. In last seasons game, L’Pool were losing 1-0 on 87 minutes, only to win 2-1.
  18. Liverpool: PL: 3 W: 3 PTS:9 POS: 3
  19. Aston Villa: PL: 2 :W 2 PTS: 6 POS: 7
  20. Expected Aston Villa Line-up: Martinez, Targett, Cash, Konsa, Mings, McGinn, Barkley, Douglas-Luiz, Grealish, Trezeguet, Watkins.
  21. Expected Liverpool Line-up: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Jota, Firmino, Minamino; Salah.
  22. Kick Off: 19:15 / 7:15pm [GMT]

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