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United States Liverpool vs Aston Villa predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of Premier League fixture today
'Gerrard will definitely manage Liverpool' Klopp on Stevie's return to Anfield
Follow all the action as Liverpool host Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.
The match marks the return of Steven Gerrard to Anfield, where he will be guaranteed a raucous reception from the Kop. However, a club legend could very well be a thorn in Liverpool’s side, with Villa in resurgent form since Gerrard succeeded Dean Smith. Villa have won three out of four games since the 41-year-old took charge, with their only defeat coming against leaders Manchester City.
Liverpool have been in terrific form, though, and trail City by just one point in the title race. They were made to work extremely hard last weekend but Divock Origi’s last-gasp winner eventually ensured the Reds of all three points against Wolves and, with top spot already sealed in their Champions League group, a heavily rotated starting eleven still managed to defeat AC Milan on Tuesday. Jurgen Klopp made sure to hail Gerrard’s progress as a manager in the build-up to what will be an emotional homecoming and said he is certain the former club captain will one day lead Liverpool from the dugout too. Follow all the latest updates below after the end of Man City vs Wolves:
- Kick-off at 3pm
- Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield
- LIV XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane
- AVL XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz; J Ramsey, Watkins, A Young
- 67’ - Salah wins and scores a penalty after Mings’ foul
Chelsea have won at Stamford Bridge after a tough game against Leeds ends 3-2 in favour of the Blues. Jorginho converted twice from the penalty spot.
Also in London Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:56
90+4 mins: There goes the final whistle at Anfield. Mo Salah’s penalty is the only difference between the two teams! The Reds maintain their record of scoring in every game this season and move back to just one point behind Manchester City.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:54
90+4 mins: Chelsea earn another penalty after Antonio Rudiger is brought down in the box. Jorginho steps up and sends it the other way this time. Chelsea are in front once again! That should be that now at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:52
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play at Anfield. Will Liverpool close out this game or can Villa find an equaliser? The former looks the most likely outcome at the minute.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:50
87 mins: Penalty shout forAston Villa!
Morgan Sanson slides a through ball up to Danny Ings and plays him into the area. Alisson comes flying out of the box and kicks the ball away. It hits Matip and rebounds back into the box where Ings is waiting. The goalkeeper swipes at the ball and connects with the Aston Villa striker who goes down. There’s a VAR check but Alisson got just enough on the ball before taking out the man. No penalty.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:48
84 mins: James Milner comes on for Liverpool replacing Thiago Silva for the final few minutes at Anfield. Alexander-Arnold whips a corner into the box but sends it straight into the hands of Martinez.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:44
83 mins: Huge goal at Stamford Bridge as Leeds have a late equaliser. Joe Gelhardt has just come on for Raphinha, he breaks into the box and squeezes in front of Thiago Silva to meet a cross and guide it into the back of the net. It’s the youngster’s first Premier League goal and what a big one it could turn out to be.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:42
81 mins: Aston Villa are throwing men forward and creating space on the right wing for Matty Cash. He’s whipped a couple of decent crosses into the box but Van Dijk manages to deal with both of them.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:41
78 mins: Konsa gets away with one as a backpass to Martinez comes up short. Jota gets to the ball and dinks it around the sprawling goalkeeper but sends the effort wide of goal!
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:39
75 mins: Danny Ings is on for Aston Villa. He’s taken up a central position with Buendia and Watkins in behind him. Yet it’s Liverpool who are controlling the game still. Aston Villa are struggling to get the ball out. Konsa sends a pass up towards Douglas Luiz but it’s off target and Andy Robertson collects.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 16:37
