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The penultimate round of Premier League fixtures gets underway with Aston Villa hosting Liverpool at Villa Park on Friday Night Football, with both sides knowing a win will secure Champions League qualification for next season.
The two teams are level on 59 points, with Liverpool currently fourth on goal difference. However, neither side has impressed in recent weeks, leaving the door open for a resurgent Bournemouth to move into contention for fifth if results go their way.
Villa may also have one eye on Wednesday’s Europa League final, but Liverpool have not shown enough consistency to take advantage.
Arne Slot’s difficult second season is ending in growing frustration among supporters, with boos heard after last weekend’s disappointing draw with Chelsea.
Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong are not in the matchday squad to face Villa. Joe Gomez comes into the starting line-up as Liverpool make one change for tonight’s clash against Aston Villa.
Gomez replacesFrimpong in the only alteration from the side that started last weekend’s draw with Chelsea at Anfield. Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz both return to the matchday squad and are named among the substitutes at Villa Park.
Isak only returned to the Liverpool squad for last week’s draw with Chelsea after missing the defeat at Manchester United due to a minor groin strain.
Having only recently come back from a four-month lay-off with a broken leg earlier in April, the forward is not risked at Villa Park as Liverpool aim to secure Champions League qualification with a crucial victory over Villa.
According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, Isak has been ruled out of the game with a minor problem. He posted on X: “Alexander Isak ruled out tonight with a minor problem. Liverpool being careful with him given his fitness/injury issues this season.
Isak became the first Liverpool player confirmed for the World Cup this summer after being named in Sweden’s squad for the tournament.
Sweden manager Graham Potter announced his 26-man squad on Tuesday for the finals in North America, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 26-year-old has started just 13 matches and made nine substitute appearances since his £125million move to Anfield from Newcastle United in September.
He is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club. In total, Isak has racked up 22 appearances, scored four goals, and provided one assist for Liverpool across all competitions.