Aston Villa vs Liverpool Lineups 2024 Match Predicted Starting XI and Tactics

My Prediction Prep Process

Alright so today I sat down to figure out what the heck the lineups might be for Villa vs Liverpool. Bit of a head-scratcher this one, innit? Villa’s been up and down, Liverpool’s got that mad energy under Klopp as always. Started by just staring at me laptop screen feeling proper blank.

First thing I did, obviously, was check the latest injury gossip. You know the drill – Twitter, those dodgy fan forums, a couple proper sports sites. Scrolled like mad. Saw that some lad for Villa might be touch-and-go with a hammy. Liverpool? Always seems like someone’s carrying a knock. Made a little list in me notepad app, real messy like.

Then I rewatched bits of their last few matches. Seriously, it’s like homework but for footy. Looked at who played, how long they ran, how knackered they looked at the end. Klopp loves changing things up, don’t he? Villa’s boss plays a bit more steady, keeps some faith. Tried to guess their basic shape based on that.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool Lineups 2024 Match Predicted Starting XI and Tactics

Next up, thought about what each team needs from this. Villa’s desperate for points at home, probably play a bit braver. Liverpool away? Might be more steady at the back, push the fullbacks on. Scribbled some possible formations – 4-3-3 for Liverpool feels obvious, maybe 4-2-3-1 for Villa? Dunno, kept changing me mind.

Finally, just bit the bullet and wrote down what my gut said. Had me strong coffee first, felt important.

Villa Starting XI Guess:

  • Goalie: Martinez (Solid)
  • Defence: Cash, Lenglet, Diego Carlos, Digne (Hope Lenglet ain’t rusty)
  • Midfield: Luiz, Kamara sitting, McGinn buzzing about
  • Attack: Bailey, Watkins, Diaby (pace for days)

Liverpool Starting XI Guess:

  • Goalie: Ali (No brainer)
  • Defence: Trent (duh), Konate, Van Dijk, Robbo (if fit? Maybe Gomez?)
  • Midfield: Szoboszlai, Endo holding, Mac Allister pulling strings
  • Attack: Salah, Nunez, Jota (Gakpo might sneak in though)

Tactics? Figured Villa will sit a bit deeper, let Liverpool have the ball sometimes, then try and ping it long to Watkins or Diaby’s pace on the break. Liverpool will press like crazy as usual, Trent drifting madly inside to make things happen, Robbo (or whoever) flying up the left, Salah cutting in constantly. Expect chaos.

Why might I be totally wrong? Klopp’s mad rotations! Maybe he rests Salah? Doubt it. That defender for Villa might not be fit, shuffle the whole backline. Maybe Klopp tries something weird like Jota in a deeper role? Nah, probably not. Plus the actual injuries on matchday! Spent ages second guessing.

Anyway, that’s it. Got me notes, got me headache, poured another coffee. Reckon Klopp will prove me an idiot like always. The actual lineup drops and we’ll see how far off the mark I was! Bit of fun trying to out-think the bosses, even if it’s pointless.

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