Liverpool are back in action in the Premier League as they travel to face Aston Villa for their first league game after the Qatar World Cup break. See Last Word on Football’s Liverpool Predicted Lineup for this Boxing Day clash.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 24, 2022
How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
Under Jurgen Klopp, the reds have developed a habit of starting in a 4-3-3 formation. The full-backs are usually urged to bomb forward to add more attacking threat, with Liverpool often ending up in a 2-1-4-3 when on the attack.
The red half of Merseyside have struggled with injuries this season, something that has impacted their campaign and made it difficult for them to chase down Arsenal at the top of the table. The likes of Mo Salah, Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez are expected to be involved in the front three – while Klopp should benefit from the return of multiple World Cup participants in this Boxing Day clash.
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The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and Jordan Henderson are expected to be back for this tough trip to Villa Park, helping the Reds have a strong lineup as they look to restart their league campaign in style.
Liverpool Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool went into the World Cup break in impressive form, beating Napoli, Tottenham and Southampton before their players headed to Qatar. They also won one of their two recent friendly games in Dubai but were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Manchester City on Thursday.
Under Klopp, the Reds have earned a reputation for their heavy-metal style of football. They play a high-pressing game, often pressurising opponents to lose the ball in their own half. Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson almost act as makeshift wingers, creating chances with their precise crosses.
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Salah often moves more centrally during matches, trying to get behind defenders into scoring situations. Nunez and Carvalho showed fluidity in exchanging positions against Manchester City, having enough pace and creativity to make chances. But more need to be at their best in terms of finishing to help their side win this Boxing Day game.
Defensively, Fabinho is there to protect the backline and Van Dijk will need to be as good as he was at the World Cup to help his team collect three points. It should be a tough game for Liverpool, but they have enough attacking quality to grind out a win.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
James Milner picked up an injury during Liverpool’s loss to City in mid-week and is out for this game. Roberto Firmino is also out after sustaining an injury in training. Ibrahima Konate is yet to return from the World Cup break, where he got to the final with France. Diogo Jota, Arthur and Luis Diaz are recovering from injuries and will miss this first game back.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Mo Salah, Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez.
