Aston Villa host Liverpool in the Premier League in a match that could have huge bearings on the race for Champions League football this season.
Both sides come into their penultimate league game of 2025/26 level on points, and while Liverpool are ahead on goal difference, a loss for either side could be detrimental to their hopes of finishing in the top five, with Bournemouth lurking just four points behind.
Villa’s run to the Europa League final has come at the expense of their domestic form, with Unai Emery’s side having won just one of their last five games in the Premier League.
However, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have also struggled of late, and with Villa able to fall back on the Europa League final as they bid for Champions League qualification, it certainly feels like this is a vital game for Liverpool as the champions bid to avoid the disaster of missing out on Europe’s top competition for 2026/27.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Aston Villa vs Liverpool?
Aston Villa vs Liverpool is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 15 May at Villa Park.
How can I watch it?
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm BST. Subscribers can also watch online via Sky Go and NOW.
Team news
For Unai Emery, key midfielder Amadou Onana remains sidelined alongside winger Alysson. Though both hope to make a return before the end of the season, Boubacar Kamara will be out for longer.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot could welcome back three key players this week, with Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and Alisson all in line to make a return at Villa Park. Wirtz missed the last game through illness, so the Germany midfielder is the likeliest to come back in. Ibrahima Konate will likely face a late fitness test after limping off in the draw to Chelsea.
Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain sidelined, with only Japan international Endo likely to play again before the end of 2025/26.
Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Konsa, Barkley; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak.
