Liverpool line-up for Aston Villa confirmed as Darwin Nunez one of two changes
Darwin Nunez returns for Liverpool as one of two changes for the visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League. Andy Robertson is also recalled in favour of Kostas Tsimikas as the Reds aim to head into November's international break as Premier League leaders.
Cody Gakpo drops to the bench after his run of three games in six days against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and Premier League and the Champions League visit from Bayer Leverkusen, with Luis Diaz shuffling off to the left side of the attack to accommodate Nunez's return, who starts through the middle once more.
Scotland captain Robertson is selected ahead of Tsimikas as Arne Slot continues his rotation policy at left-back, while Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and deputy goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher complete the back five for the visit of Unai Emery's men.
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Curtis Jones is given another chance to impress after his excellent showing against Leverkusen, in a game the Reds won 4-0, with Dominik Szoboszlai left in reserve. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch complete the midfield three with Wataru Endo alongside Szoboszlai on the substitutes' bench.
Viteszslav Jaros is again named on the bench while Kelleher continues to deputise for the hamstrung Alisson Becker, who is expected back on the other side of the international break after pulling up in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on October 5. Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott remain sidelined.
LIVERPOOL TEAM: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez. Subs: Jaros, Gomez, Quansah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Tsimikas, Bradley, Endo, Morton.
ASTON VILLA TEAM: Martinez; Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins. Subs: Olsen, Mings, Maatsen, Bogarde, Kamara, McGinn, Buendia, Philogene, Durán.