Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool travel to Villa Park tomorrow night knowing that victory against Aston Villa would secure their place in next season’s Champions League top four.
The Reds are desperate to cement their European status with a win over the Villains, though even fifth place would guarantee UCL qualification this season. It promises to be a tense affair as both sides battle for precious Champions League spots.
Arne Slot has already confirmed injury concerns heading into the clash:
“Konate is OK, trained with us. Salah is available for a few minutes but hopefully can come in. Alisson, trained with us, let’s see where he is. Wirtz – stomach infection so let’s see how fit he is. He is on antibiotics.”
And on the Aston Villa side, there are also concerns. Unai Emery, speaking in his pre-match press conference, has confirmed that the likes of Amadou Onan, Boubacar Kamara, and Alysson are all out for Friday evening:
“We have the same players out,” Emery explained as quoted by the Birmingham Mail. “Amadou Onana is not available for tomorrow and Alysson as well. Kamara is out. Other players, at the beginning, should be ready to play tomorrow.”
Emery added on facing Liverpool: “Everything is very important and in the process we are in, each game is very important. Now we are at the end of the season, with the highest challenge we expected at the beginning to finish the season with. The top five would be something fantastic.”
“Tomorrow we are playing one team who were a favourite to win the league after winning it last season, fighting with Arsenal and Man City. We have the same points as them and we must be so proud of it.
“Now it’s about how we can test ourselves against them. Liverpool have a fantastic coach and have fantastic players. They are not being consistent like before, but they are still a fantastic team. It is Liverpool.
“Playing against them at Villa Park in the day 37 with 59 points and trying to test us against them is something amazing.”