Aston Villa v Liverpool: Premier League – live

“Well done that Villa groundsman who has already found a way to rain (OK, spray) on Liverpool’s title parade. Why do I also suspect Martinez as having something to do with this fine bit of pre-match s**thousery?” Justin Kavanagh is suggesting elite gamesmanship.

“I’m wondering if Robbo starting today means Tsimi will get the nod against City – and whether that turns out to be a very intelligent or a very silly decision?” asks Martin. “Robbo has the experience to face City but his legs are gone. Tsimi has the legs but also an eye for the odd bout of madness.”

I suspect Robertson will start both games. Tsimikas for the Newcastle game?

Unai Emery speaks: “We have players injured and today we have those centre-backs and hopefully they can connect and both be successful. They have strong qualities as defensive players and then we will try to play with personality and control possession.

“It is a really huge challenge and I want to watch how we respond against Liverpool, the best in the world. Today the challenge is really on the pitch.”

Mike Keeling gets in touch: “Not to underestimate Villa, I hope, (obviously about to underestimate Villa) but seeing their team sheet it’s not even a work in progress so much as still in the design stage. Plus, you know, Mings. Feeling more confident of a reds victory!”

Peter Oh emails: “Rashford v Alexander-Arnold – aka the striker who can’t score versus the wing back who can’t defend, according to rabid armchair warriors – is a matchup likely to make heads explode today.”

I think it will be a fun battle, that’s for sure.

A bad start to the night for Liverpool.

Arne Slot on Aston Villa’s forward line: “We faced that against Wolves and we are facing that tonight, again, with some great individual players.

“It is an evening game at Villa Park which is a difficult one and the only thing we need to do is compete and bring our level too.

“These are two teams with a lot of threat so there needs to be a lot of work rate too, to make sure the other team doesn’t score.”

Tactical genius Joe Pearson emails: “I am no tactical genius, but I think Liverpool might go with a 4-3-3, with Szoboszlai as part of the midfield, then have a front three of Jones, Jota, and Salah. But what do I know?”

The suggestion from my close friends TNT is that Jones will play on the left, so I will go with them.

I am not 100% sure how Liverpool will line up in attack. I am working on the assumption that Szoboszlai will be behind Jota and Salah. Naturally, I suspect I will be very wrong.

Some pre-match Slot.

We have first starts for Asensio and little-known loanee Marcus Rashford tonight for Villa. I was at Villa Park on Saturday for the draw against Ipswich. The forward looks pretty lively on the left wing and caused plenty of problems. I am sure he will enjoy the challenge of facing Alexander-Arnold.

Starting lineups

Pre-match reading.

Ben Fisher on Aston Villa’s Premier League malaise.

Preamble