Liverpool’s relentless fixture schedule continues when they travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday (7.30pm GMT).
The Reds restored a seven-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet it was hardly straightforward for Arne Slot’s side as they were put under plenty of pressure in the second half and did not record a single shot.
Slot admitted that Liverpool were mentally fatigued from conceding a 98th-minute equaliser against Everton in the Merseyside derby four days prior. He said: “All the events that happened on Wednesday evening, it’s not only working hard, what did it do to us mentally as well, these last eight minutes of injury time? I can even tell you what it did to me mentally, let alone what it did to these players that had to run so much.
Then if you come into this game and with the disallowed goal and the penalty [being overturned] – both correct decisions – and them scoring, again it asks a lot of your mentality if you are indeed maybe a bit more tired. But these players are able to be all on it again on Wednesday and Sunday as well.”
Certainly, the Anfield head coach will hope that his troops are revitalised for two tough away trips this week. They go to Villa before facing current champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Villa haven’t been impressive this season as they sit only ninth and being in the Champions League has had an impact. But Unai Emery’s side still have quality in abundance and strengthened superbly in the January transfer window – signing Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen, Marco Asensio and Andres Garcia. They were held to a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich Town last time out and will want a response.
Aston Villa team news
Pau Torres – out
The defender has been absent since the turn of year with a foot injury.
Amadou Onana – out
The former Everton midfielder is still recovering from a hamstring complaint.
Matty Cash – out
The right-back has a muscle complaint and is not expected to be fit for at least another week.
Ezri Konsa – doubt
The versatile defender was absent against Ipswich having picked up a setback in a 2-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham.
Ross Barkley – doubt
The Liverpool-born midfielder, who came through Everton’s academy, has been unavailable for Villa’s previous eight games because of a calf complaint.
Boubacar Kamara – doubt
The midfielder was forced off in the 16th minute against Ipswich. Emery was unsure about the extent of his issue.
Leon Bailey – minor doubt
The winger missed the Ipswich game with a small issue but Emery believes the Jamaica international should be fine.
Liverpool team news
Joe Gomez – out
The versatile defender finds himself back on the treatment table with a hamstring issue. Gomez may have to undergo surgery.
Tyler Morton – out
The midfielder had an operation for a shoulder injury earlier last week. Morton has been on the periphery of things this season and has not made a Premier League appearance.
Cody Gakpo – doubt
The forward, who has scored 16 goals this season, is still recovering from a knock suffered in the 2-2 draw against Everton. Slot has admitted that Gakpo may not be available to feature at Villa Park.
Curtis Jones – return
The midfielder is back following a one-match suspension. He was issued a red card after the final whistle of the Merseyside derby.
