Aston Villa vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

Aston Villa face Liverpool in the Premier League on Friday night.

The two teams are tied on points in the table and a win for either would confirm their place in next season’s Champions League. However, defeat could allow sixth-placed Bournemouth to close the gap and leave their place in next season’s competition under threat.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Match preview and team news

Date: Friday 15th May 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Villa Park
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa, 1st November 2025, Premier League

Aston Villa team news

Unai Emery has an almost full-strength squad to choose from for tonight’s clash, with only key midfield duo Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana sidelined from his regular side. January signing Alysson, who has made just three league appearances since his arrival from Gremio in the winter window, is also out injured for The Villans.

Ollie Watkins will want to retain his good form as he looks to break back into the England squad. Watkins has nine goals in his last 13 appearances across all competitions, and boasts a strong record in this fixture. The 30-year-old has six goals in 11 league outings against Liverpool.

Liverpool team news

Arne Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah is fit and available for Liverpool after a recent hamstring issue. Alexander Isak is also expected to return to the starting team, having featured from the bench against Chelsea.

Issues remain at right-back with Conor Bradley out, with the Northern Irishmanb a long-term absentee. He is joined in the treatment room by Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo.

Late calls will be made on Ibrahima Konate and Alisson Becker, though Florian Wirtz is a doubt. The German has been struggling with a stomach infection.

Form

Aston Villa: LLLWD

Aston Villa’s league form has suffered as a result of their European exploits, with The Villans set to take on SC Freiburg in the Europa League final later this month. A stretched squad has won just two of their last 10 in the Premier League. Last weekend, Villa drew with relegated Burnley to miss the chance to climb above Liverpool in the table.

Liverpool: LWWLD

Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea last week was greeted by boos from the Anfield crowd. A frustrated fanbase has voiced their unhappiness with recent results and performances. Liverpool are 20 points adrift of leaders Arsenal in the table, in what has been a disappointing defence of the title.