Liverpool lineup vs. Aston Villa: Predicted XI for Premier League clash as Cody Gakpo ruled out

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot may tinker with his starting XI for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The Reds will move 10 points clear at the top of the table with victory in the West Midlands, and Slot's two long-term absentees Tyler Morton (shoulder) and Joe Gomez (hamstring) are no closer to coming back.

Curtis Jones will return from a one-game ban served in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, although Cody Gakpo remains out owing to the knock he sustained in last week's Merseyside derby.

Luis Diaz will therefore likely reprise his role on the left with Mohamed Salah on the right; the Egyptian has now registered more goals and assists away from home in a single Premier League season than any other player.

However, as the Reds have three fixtures in the space of seven days, Slot may bring in the fresh legs of Jones and Darwin Nunez, as Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota drop down to the bench.

Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch should not expect a break just yet, though, and the same goes for Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate at the back - the latter's half-time withdrawal against Wolves was precautionary after he narrowly avoided a second yellow card.

Trent Alexander-Arnold should also be fine to go again from the off after lasting just over an hour on Sunday, but Kostas Tsimikas is a viable alternative to Andy Robertson.

Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez

> Click here to see how Aston Villa could line up for this game