Flying: Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are in fine form ahead of their trip to Anfield
The Villans are in fine form as they make the trip to Merseyside, having won four Premier League matches in a row.
They will be fully intent on taking that run to five as they face Arne Slot’s free-falling Reds, who have lost six of their last seven.
Emery will be slightly shorthanded for the trip, though, as he looks to claim Villa’s first win at Anfield since 2014.
He confirmed today that the match will come too soon for Emi Buendia after he was withdrawn early during Villa’s win over Man City last time out.
Emi Buendia came off early with an injury against Man City
“He is not available for tomorrow, but the injury he has is going well,” he said.
“I think with a few days more, he can be fit and available for the next matches, hopefully.”
Harvey Elliott will also be unavailable, as the on-loan midfielder is ineligible to face his parent club.
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That is no great loss for Emery, though, as Elliott had fallen out of favour in recent weeks.
He has not appeared for Villa since making a five-minute cameo in a 2-0 win over Feyenoord in early October, and has made only two starts in all competitions this campaign.
Out of favour: Harvey Elliott
Joining Buendia in the physio’s room are the longer-term absentees, Andres Garcia and Youri Tielemans.
Tielemans could soon be available, though, as Emery suggested he could return to training next week: “Youri Tielemans, he is progressing well. He is going to start training hopefully next week with the group.
“The other one is Andrés. Andrés is progressively getting better, but still some weeks to come back.”