The Reds visit Villa Park with a huge incentive. A win would give Arne Slot’s team a 10-point cushion at the top of the table ahead of the weekend fixtures and pile the pressure on nearest challengers Arsenal.
Liverpool come into this game on the back of a nervy win last time out. The Reds were able to eventually beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Anfield, although they were far from at their best throughout the 90 minutes.
Slot has already confirmed that Liverpool will be without Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez for this match. However, the Reds are in considerably better shape that their hosts, who have a host of injury issues to deal with for this fixture.
Villa have performed well in cup competitions this season, although their Premier League form has been inconsistent. They sit down in ninth place going into this one.
Ian Doyle and Paul Gorst will be in attendance in the Midlands for the ECHO. Stick with us throughout the evening for the latest build-up, updates and reaction from what is a huge game in the Reds’ season
Half-time ratings
Alisson Becker 6
Made some straightforward claims first half but some of his passing out of the back was unnecessarily risky. No chance with either goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
Given another test by Rashford but stood up to challenge before break and some useful passes forward.
Ibrahima Konate 6
Needed to defend on front foot to prevent dangerous Watkins getting sniff before break and a little unlucky with equaliser.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Villa sought to keep the game away from him first half while diagonals not always on point.
Andy Robertson 7
Decent enough in both directions before break and cross invited chance for Salah.
Ryan Gravenberch 5
Predominantly in a defensive role but didn’t offer very much and looked tired, failing to close down Digne for Villa second.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Suffered a bit of a buffeting first half from several Villa players but wasn’t deterred and made passing started to pull Villa around.
Mohamed Salah 6
Off target with one header but made amends with composed finish for opener and largely got better of Digne.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Plenty of energy and excellent in the press and denied chance by Martinez but didn’t do enough on ball first half. Couldn’t get enough on header to clear Villa equaliser
Curtis Jones 6
Ostensibly started on left but regularly popped up in middle, where he created chance for Szoboszlai and struck wide after one strong run.
Diogo Jota 6
Constant pest to Villa defence with two half-chances early on before calm assist for the opener. Poor miss shortly before interval, however.
