Liverpool vs Aston Villa - Premier League RECAP: Arne Slot's men go FIVE POINTS clear at the top

What a night that was for Liverpool.

With Manchester City losing to Brighton earlier, Liverpool are now five points clear of the champions with 11 matches gone.

It was not the easiest of games for Arne Slot's men, but goals from Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah toppled Aston Villa in the end.

It's hard to see when this Liverpool dominance will end, they just seem to keep on rolling.

It's now time for the international break, though, so their momentum will stop for at least two weeks.

I know, international games are not always the most fun, but I'm sure the break will go very quickly.

We aren't there yet, anyway. We still have a stacked Sunday programme of games for you all to tuck into.

I'm now going to head off, but it's been an absolute pleasure, as always.

Goodnight.

Right, before I wave goodbye to all of you beautiful people, I have some content to share with you.

We had two brilliant reporters at Anfield tonight to witness another brilliant win for Liverpool.

Both Lewis Steele and Joe Bernstein were on hand to provide their analysis throughout the night, but they also had other jobs to do.

So, here is the match story and player ratings from the match:

• MATCH STORY: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
• PLAYER RATINGS: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa

How good was Caoimhin Kelleher today, eh?

The Irish goalkeeper has got to the point where you don't really consider him a number two. He is more of a number one B.

Kelleher has been simply superb since deputising for the injured Alisson this season.

He made two monster saves to deny Aston Villa and picked up his second clean sheet of the week.

If it wasn't for Alisson, there is no doubt that Kelleher is good enough to be the Reds' number one.

Surely he will get a big-money move soon?

Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager, speaking to TNT Sports:

Liverpool dominated sometimes but they did not have a lot of clear chances to score. We did our work and we had the chances to score in the first half, in the second half, and we played more or less in the way I wanted.

We have to keep improving, recover some players who have just come back after long injuries. Some players are not in the same performance level as last year but today they were a bit better.

The league is tight, there are a lot of teams performing very well and we have to accept that we need to improve. We are under our level from last year a little bit but I am still confident.

This year a lot of players have come back from long injuries. We have to try to keep the same positive attitude and mentality and try to accept sometimes results that we have had this week happen.

Ollie Watkins said earlier that he did not think Aston Villa were having a blip...

I'm sorry Ollie, but that's just wrong.

That's now four losses on the spin for Villa and they are winless in five games in all competitions.

That doesn't tell the whole story, their last two Premier League, matches were away at Tottenham at Liverpool. Tough games.

they did put up a good fight tonight and the game could easily ended with a different scoreline if they were clinical.

But they weren't and their good start to the season is becoming a distant memory.

Unai Emery has some thinking to do.

Every week, Arne Slot seems to break some kind of record.

He has won 15 of his 17 matches as Liverpool boss, only losing one of those matches.

No Premier League manager has ever had a better start to their tenure. Yep, you read that right.

No wonder he is smiling so much!

It's not quite hand Mo Salah a blank cheque territory but it is not too far away. Especially after Arne Slot said the other day he can play at this level for another five years at least.

I am going to praise Mo Salah some more because why not?

I've already told you that he has registered 10 or more goals and assists, and it's certainly not the first time.

This is what I mean when I call him inevitable, he delivers season in, and season out.

The fact he has reached this mark by November is ridiculous.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to TNT Sports:

Very big win against a very good team. The goals came in counter-attacks but overall the team played a very good game. We are happy with it. We know we're top of the league but there are a lot of teams so we take it step by step.

On the Manchester City result:

I did know, we were watching the game. I am happy for Brighton. I have special feelings for them, and I am very grateful. They beat one of the best teams in the world right now but we are not thinking about other teams.

If we are top of the league by five points then it means something. But we have to go step by step. If you asked me before the season started I would not say we were candidates but now it looks like [we are].

On Mo Salah:

He is so good and so important for the team. He is a legend here. Happy for him and when you have him you know he is going to deliver and get the numbers.

Mo Salah just never slows down, he simply doesn't know how to.

Once again, the winger was crucial for Liverpool in the big moments, bagging a goal and an assist.

He is the first player to reach double figures for both goals and assists for a big five European League side in all competitions this season.

It's not the first time either, the Egyptian has now achieved this in each of his last four seasons for Liverpool.

Surely that contract should be on the table by now.

Steve McManaman, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT Sports:

It is only the middle of November but it is a wonderful start. Top of the Premier League, top of the Champions League, confidence flying, everything is nice. Five points clear going into the break, really good viewing.

This was the moment all of Anfield's nerves were eased.

Counter-attacking goals have been coming aplenty this season for Liverpool and it had to be in that fashion that they won this game.

Mo Salah still had a lot to do when he picked up the ball in his own half, but there was not much doubt he would get it done.

A brilliant run and finish.

This feels like a really significant win for Liverpool and the fans can sense that.

As Arne Slot goes to clap the Kop the supporters make one of the biggest roars of the night.

It feels like something special is brewing here and the Liverpool fans are loving it.

Anfield was electric once again today.

Liverpool go five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

It was the story of two counter-attacks as Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah put Aston Villa to the sword.

It was by far from an easy game for the Reds, but they never really looked like conceding in that second half.

Liverpool are absolutely flying under Arne Slot.

Liverpool have four more minutes to see this out.

Surely Aston Villa can't come back from here? If they do, it would be one of the best in recent memory.

Arne Slot is now being serenaded by the Liverpool fans, they really do love him already.

It's easy to see why, the Reds just look unstoppable at the moment.

Anfield is absolutely bouncing now, what a difference a goal makes, eh?

If Liverpool go on to win this, it will be huge in the title race after Manchester City's loss earlier.

It's not over yet, though.

I was just about to type that Aston Villa looked the more likely and then Mo Salah shut me up.

It's what he does best, isn't it?

Salah always has to have his say and that's his fourth goal in four Premier League appearances.

That should settle it!

That is Mo Salah at his very best as he breaks away on his very own, and cooly finishes past Emi Martinez.

Aston Villa want a penalty at the other end but the referee says no, and so does VAR.

That should be that.

Ezri Konsa, that is an incredible tackle!

Liverpool do get their counter-attack from the Aston Villa corner and the Reds are three-on-one.

Mo Salah races away and tries to square it for Luis Diaz, but Konsa puts in an incredible challenge to stop him making it 2-0.

A goal-saving challenge.

Ooooo, Aston Villa have a corner.

This is either ending in one goal or the other and I simply don't know which.

This is a big chance for Villa... and Ibrahima heads it out for another unconvincingly.

Here comes the cavalry agin.

Now this is harsh...

Boubacar Kamara is booked for a shirt pull on Cody Gakpo which is very similar to Conor Bradley's from earlier.

It's definitely a foul, but it shouldn't be a card.

That's much better from Liverpool.

The Anfield crowd get to their feet as they see Dominik Szoboszlai breaking down the right-hand side.

Cody Gakpo is steaming in at the back post and the Hungarian tries to find him.

But his low cross beats everybody.

Unai Emery turns to the bench again.

Ian Maatsen and Boubacar Kamara are both on for Lucas Digne and Amadou Onana.

They have just over 15 minutes to find an equaliser.

Cody Gakpo looks as though he wasn't to make this game more exciting.

He picks up the ball on the left and you just know what he is going to do.

He drives inside, takes a touch, and then takes aim for the top corner. But it bends over the bar.

Emi Martinez gets a slice of luck...

A free-kick is swung in and the Aston Villa goalkeeper flaps at the ball with it going through to Cody Gakpo.

But the Dutchman can't clip in the ball from a tight angle.

The chances have really dried up as this half of football has gone on.

There will be a few big ones to come, but at the minute there is just no momentum with either side.

I'm sure it will change.

Liverpool have gone a bit flat here. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo have been introduced, though, and Arne Slot will hope they can inject a bit of energy.

There's something in this match for Villa if they can take a chance - although those are quite rare at the moment.

Anfield stands to applaud their goalscorer Darwin Nunez as he is replaced by Cody Gakpo.

Dominik Szoboszlai is also on for Curtis Jones as Arne Slot looks to switch things up.

As does Unai Emery with super-sub Jhon Duran entering the action in place of Ollie Watkins.

Jaden Philogene is also on for Leon Bailey.

No signs yet of Liverpool trying to shut the game down – if anything they seem intent on scoring a second goal. It helps the attacking players to know that Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are in such excellent form at the back.

Konate has been impressive again tonight. Bringing him on at half-time of the opening game against Ipswich looks in retrospect like one of Slot’s most important decisions.

Anfield was electric in the first half but the nervous energy has consumed the stands.

There are many more groans and a lot fewer chants, they are getting very worried.

Darwin Nunez loves a dig from deep, doesn't he?

Virgil van Dijk wins the ball high up the pitch and Nunez's first thought is to pick it up and shoot from outside the box.

It's a tame effort and Emi Martinez collects it easily.

Anfield holds its breath as VAR checks for an Aston Villa penalty briefly.

Conor Bradley has a hold of Pau Torres' shirt but it would be extremely harsh if it's given.

And it's not, the check is completed very quickly.

It seems Arne Slot's message has got across because Liverpool are now starting to calm this game down.

They are having all the ball and stroking it about as they aim to take the sting out of Aston Villa.

It means the game is less exciting, sadly.

I just have a sneaky feeling that Aston Villa may nick a goal very soon.

Ollie Watkins keeps drifting in behind the Liverpool defence, he just hasn't managed to get past Ibrahima Konate yet.

You can tell in the Anfield crowd that they are nervous about an equaliser.

This second half has carried on in the same vain as the first, it's being played at a pulsating pace.

I'm sure Arne Slot does want his side to calm things down, but it doesn't seem like they want to.

Darwin Nunez could easily have a hat-trick tonight, but it's just the one goal for now.

Andre Robertson puts in a peach of a ball straight onto Nunez's head, but he arrows it wide of the post.

The striker was just six yards out, he really should be doing better from there.

I don't know how there has only been one goal in this match, it's crazy.

Nearly the perfect start to the second period for Aston Villa!

Morgan Rogers finds himself through in the area within the first minutes.

But he can't keep his effort on target in front of the Kop, it's a really poor finish from the young talent.

Right then, we are back underway at Anfield.

There have been no changes at the break form either side, even though it looked like Lucas Digne was injured.

Will there be more drama in this 45 minutes?

Liverpool have been a second-half team for much of this season so Villa must be fearful going into the final 45 minutes at Anfield. They swapped the teams around so Liverpool have already shot towards the Kop, mind. Let's see if that has an impact.

Overall, the Reds have room for improvement here - and they need to start taking their chances or Villa could punish them.

Before the action restarts, we simply have to see these two Caoimhin Kelleher saves.

I thought both headers were destined for the net, but the Irish keeper's reactions were incredible to stop them.

Will Alisson definitely go straight back into the team?

While he probably will, Kelleher has been superb since coming in for him while injured.

While Liverpool are rightly being praised for that first half, I thought Aston Villa played very well.

They have had nine shots already in this game and could easily have had two goals if it wasn't for Caoimhin Kelleher.

The chaotic nature of the match is giving them many opportunities, they just need to be clinical.

This is far from over.

You know exactly what you are going to get with Mo Salah, don't you?

'The Egyptian King' has delivered once again today with an assist in that first half.

That's his sixth of this Premier League campaign, and with his seven goals, he now has the most Gopal contributions this season.

Salah always has his say.

Heavy-mental football is well and truly back at Anfield.

If you were to watch this goal in a few years, you'd probably think it came during the era of Jurgen Klopp.

The speed of the counter-attack was scintillating and Darwin Nunez then showed what he can do.

Just listen to the noise, as well. Incredible.

Oh, Liverpool end the half with a brilliant move that nearly ends in a Darwin Nunez goal.

The Reds break away and the ball is worked over to Andrew Robertson who squares it for Nunez to tap home.

But there is an Aston Villa defender there to hook it clear and the whistle is blown thereafter.

What a half of football.

Curtis Jones, that is pure filth.

The Liverpool man brings down the ball brilliantly and dances around Youri Tielemans.

The Villa man doesn't like it and pulls him down to the ground. A yellow card it is.

It is indeed the end of Jacob Ramsey's night, which is such a shame.

It's not all bad for Aston Villa, though, as he is being replaced by the captain, John McGinn.

Not a bad player to bring off the bench, eh?

There will be three more minutes of this breathless half.

There is an injury concern for Aston Villa as the board goes up, with Jacob Ramsey on the floor.

It doesn't look good, it looks like his hamstring has gone.

I really don't want this half of football to end, as Joe said, it's been 'quality'.

I mean, the fact that it's only 1-0 is completely crazy. It could easily be 2-2.

It feels like we are watching the chaotic nature of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool once again.

I love it.

Quality first half. Liverpool have been good. Villa have been up for it. Both sets of fans are in good voice. What looked a home banker on paper still has jeopardy in the second half and Villa will hope to “do a Brighton” and turn the game around like the Seagulls did against Manchester City. The difficulty for Unai Emery is Liverpool have more goal threats than City, who are so reliant on Erling Haaland.

You simply can't take your eyes off of this match for s single second, it's electric.

Liverpool regain control of the ball and work it up to Darwin Nunez who has his sights set on another goal.

He has a crack from outside the box, despite the crowd making it known they don't want him to.

It's a decent effort, but Emi Martinez holds onto it.

I say that... they've just had two corners bang on the money and Caoimhin Kelleher makes not one but two saves at point-blank range to deny Amadou Onana and Diego Carlos.

I reckon we should just cut out all the other nonsense and just play a game of Villa taking corners for 90 minutes!

And again!

Caoimhin Kelleher somehow outdoes his earlier save from the very next corner.

This time it's Diego Carlos who meets it and you just think it's a certain goal.

But somehow Kelleher digs it out, that is truly an unbelievable stop.

Villa should be level.

This time Aston Villa actually get their corner routine right and it brings a huge save from Caoimhin Kelleher.

Amadou Onana gets one hell of a connection from close range and Kelleher reacts brilliantly to push it over the bar.

Brilliant goalkeeping.

What on earth have Aston Villa been smoking during set-piece sessions this week? From their last two corners, Liverpool have had clear-cut chances.

First, Mo Salah broke through and Darwin Nunez scored. Now the same two players darted clear on goal only for Nunez to shank his effort high and wide. It should be 2-0.

It's funny how mythologised these set-pieces are these days - the cameras are quick to pan to them when a team scores from one... where are they when the routines go catastrophically wrong?!

Oooft, now that's a nasty challenge from Morgan Rogers.

He lunges in late on Virgil van Dijk and leaves the Liverpool captain in a heap on the floor.

It's fair to say he has no complaints when David Coote pulls out the yellow card.

How is it not 2-0?

Darwin Nunez has just summed up his two years at Liverpool in just 10 minutes.

Liverpool counter from an Aston Villa corner again and Nunez is one-on-one with Emi Martinez.

He has all the time in the world but blazes his effort over the bar. He simply has to score that.

The game has settled back down after all that chaos.

Anfield is still vibing, though. The fans inside this stadium are having a whale of a time.

They will be happy with what they have seen today, so far.

Well it's 1-0 here at Anfield and quite an eventful few minutes. I thought Darwin Nunez had messed up his chance for the goal - from this angle it looked like he had taken it too wide. And it is worth asking: what on earth was the referee doing waving 'no foul' when Leon Bailey felled Mo Salah in the build-up?

At the other end, Ollie Watkins goes down under the challenge of Ibrahima Konate and the referee gives a free-kick to Liverpool. A bizarre few minutes for Coote!

Perhaps Aston Villa have been guilty of showing too much ambition. They got a whiff of success after creating chances for Bailey and Ramsey but from their own corner, were counter-attacked comprehensively for Liverpool’s goal.

Unai Emery will be frustrated because his side were having a good go until then. It’ll be interesting to see if Liverpool can seize the momentum now even though Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to limp off.

You have to do better there Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa pounce on a mistake at the back and Watkins finds space in the area.

His shot is poor, though, as he drags the ball shamelessly wide.

What a game we have here.

Oh dear, this is not good news for Liverpool.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is unable to continue and is forced off before the 25th minute.

He is replaced by young Conor Bradley who played in his absence for large parts of last season.

Arne Slot will be hoping it's not serious.

Anfield is in fine voice now, it feels like it's one of those special nights.

Ollie Watkins tries to silence them and wants a penalty under pressure from Ibrahima Konate, but it's a clear dive.

But then there is a bit of a worry for the hosts as Trent Alexander-Arnold has gone down.

Darwin Nunez delivers for Liverpool!

That is Liverpool at their counter-attacking best and Anfield erupts.

It starts with an Aston Villa corner and then Virgil van Dijk sets Mo Salah away on the break.

Salah is through but is hauled down by Leon Bailey, but Nunez scoops up the ball, rounds Emi Martinez, and finishes brilliantly.

The noise is then deafening.

There are a couple of moans and groans from the Anfield crowd as Liverpool misplace a couple of passes.

Things have not quite gone their way in the last few minutes, they are losing their early momentum.

Oh, that's a big chance for Leon Bailey.

Aston Villa have responded well to the early pressure and are starting to have a go themselves.

Youri Tielemans clips the ball to Bailey at the back post and the winger gets a good header on the ball.

But he can't keep it down and the ball sails over the bar.

Erm... Aston Villa are already time-wasting.

It's only been 14 minutes, surely it's too early for things like that.

I guess they just want to frustrate the Anfield crowd and so far it is certainly working.

That's much better from Aston Villa.

They mount a break after a bizarre lofted pass is not dealt with by Andy Robertson.

The ball is worked over to Ollie Watkins, who fancies his chances from outside the area.

His strike flies over the bar, though.

Aston Villa are just sitting in tight and trying to ride this early Liverpool storm.

They have barely been unable to get out of their own half as the Reds have wave, after wave, of attack.

Not been the best of starts for the visitors.

Liverpool really are up for this.

They play some lovely link-up play in the middle of the park before setting off on a blistering counter-attack.

Trent Alexander-Arnold plays in Mo Salah who bursts through before cutting back don't his left.

But his tame effort is blocked quite easily.

Ooooohhh...

Liverpool have come flying out of the traps and Darwin Nunez already wants a penalty.

He is played in by Mo Salah before being bundled over by Diego Carlos from behind.

It's a silly challenge, but he gets away with it.

Anfield is well and truly bouncing. When it's like this, the games are usually very special.

You feel that the fans know how important this match is after the Manchester City result.

'You'll Never Walk Alone' is sung at its spine-tingling best, and it is poignant as the two teams pay their respects to those who died during the First World War.

Anfield then falls silent as The Last Post is played.

There is then a huge roar as the minute comes to an end and we are now ready to get going.

This is going to be one hell of a match, I can feel.

Anfield is a cauldron of noise, it certainly has found its voice again tonight.

The players are greeted by all four stands chanting in unison before sadly they are interrupted by the Premier League anthem.

The crowd will be key tonight. If they are on from like they have been of late, Liverpool will have a huge boost.

So far, it seems like they are up for it.

You feel a big opportunity has opened up in the title race with Manchester City losing again there. Up to Nottingham Forest to take their chance now.

There will be some pressure on Darwin Nunez tonight. Luis Diaz was deployed as a central striker against Leverkusen on Tuesday night and hit a hat-trick. Follow that, Darwin!

The Uruguayan has scored only twice this season but is adored by the fans nonetheless. Manager Arne Slot might be harder to please unless he starts converting chances into goals.

Steve McManaman, former Liverpool midfielder, on TNT Sports:

What surprised me was they came out very late, 25 minutes before the game. Liverpool were out 20 minutes before them. You'd think they would want to get out a little earlier.

I think Aston Villa need to work on their time management skills.

The visitors are still warming up and we are just 12 minutes from the game getting underway.

Why? Well, it's because they only came out at 7:35pm which is nearly 20 minutes later than they are meant to.

So bizarre. I wonder why they did it.

I told you there were fans celebrating.

Just look at this Liverpool supporter, he is absolutely buzzing that Manchester City have lost.

However, I just can't believe that he is wearing only a t-shirt, it is pretty cold in here.

Most people are wrapped up in coats, hats, and gloves.

I'm sorry to tell you, Aston Villa fans, but Unai Emery's recent record against Liverpool is not the best.

I mean, it's really bad.

Emery is winless in 10 competitive games against Liverpool since his first encounter with them, a 3-1 win with Sevilla in the 2016 Europa League final.

Since then, his teams have only managed three points from seven league matches against the Reds.

But stats are made to be broken, right?

Ohhh, hello...

Liverpool fans around Anfield are cheering right now after they hear that Brighton have beaten Manchester City.

The south coast side came from behind, scoring two goals in five minutes to topple the champions.

City have now lost four matches on the spin, which is the first time a Pep Guardiola side has ever done that.

If Liverpool win tonight, they go five points clear.

Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa striker, speaking to TNT Sports:

The past couple of results have not gone the way we have wanted but that's football and things can change quickly, so there is no better way than to play on a big stage like tonight against a top team. This is what it's all about.

I wouldn't even say it's a blip, to be honest. We've started the season well, you can't win every game at the end of the day. He is calm, he's an experienced manager. he has been in this sort of situation a lot of times.

There is a buzz around Anfield today, you can just feel it.

The fans have flocked to the stadium early and are really getting behind their team.

The atmosphere on the red half of Merseyside has been brilliant of late and they will look to keep it up tonight.

Tonight is a special occasion for both of these teams.

Well, I say it is but I bet neither set of players or even staff know this statistic I am about to share.

This is the 100th time these two teams will do battle in all competitions, at Anfield.

Liverpool have certainly had the better of it, they have beaten Villa 62 times while only losing 17.

I wonder who will add to the victory column today.

If you were to ask most people what Liverpool's biggest change has been under Arne Slot, the majority would mention their defence.

The Reds have been simply rock solid at the back under the Dutchman, thus far.

They have the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding only six goals from their first six matches.

Not many teams can find a way past this Liverpool side, so Villa have a tough task ahead of them managing it.

Clean sheets are the currency at Anfield.

Early arrivals at Anfield have got more than half-an-eye on the Brighton-Manchester City game currently taking place. A Brighton equaliser would mean Arne Slot’s side will take to the pitch against Aston Villa as league leaders and there have been oohs and aahs with The Seagulls going close.

Liverpool are clear favourites tonight – 14 wins in 16 for Slot while Villa have looked leggy in defeats to Spurs and Bruges in the last week. Something else for The Kop to be happy about, their cult hero Darwin Nunez is back in the Reds starting line-up

The beloved Stat Packs are back!

Our friends at Squawka have provided us with the goods once again as they take a deep dive into tonight's fixture.

The statistic that stands out to me has to be just how many chances both teams are creating this season.

If these stats tell me anything, it's that we are in for an entertaining evening.

Unai Emery, Aston Villa boss, speaking on Friday:

The team [Liverpool] is doing the best this season in the Premier League and Champions League and it is a challenge tomorrow. We are analysing them how they are playing and they are playing very, very, very well.

In some tactical things they have maybe changed something but they are playing with the same players, playing very well. The style we clearly can watch but more or less it’s the same power they had before.

Astute tactically and offensively they are really a very strong team, collectively and individually as well. Tomorrow is a huge challenge for us to stop them, to play with our personality.

As Thin Lizzy sings - the 'Boys Are Back in Town'.

The league leaders are in the building and they look fairly relaxed as they take to the dressing room.

It seems with less hair that Mohamed Salah is able to wear a cap, a new look for him.

I imagine he never really wore them when he had the brilliant afro.

Aston Villa's recent record at Anfield is not good viewing.

They have only taken one point from a possible 18 on offer in their last six visits to Liverpool, stretching back to 2014.

Sadly for Villa fans, that's not the only ominous statistic.

The Villans have only managed to win one game against the Reds in their last 13 meetings.

It was a memorable one, though... Yep, it was the magical 7-2 victory during the 2020-21 season, in which Ollie Watkins netted a hat-trick.

How he would love to do the same today, eh?

A big chance for Darwin Nunez today. He has scored just twice this season and really needs to start banging in more goals if he is to keep his place when Diogo Jota is fit again after the international break.

Saying that, his overall game is more improved. Another man with a point to prove is Andy Robertson, as Kostas Tsimikas has started the two previous games.

It's a big night for Darwin Nunez.

With Diogo Jota out once again, the Uruguayan has been trusted to lead the line.

Nunez has had his moments this season, but still only has one Premier League goal to his name.

To be a striker at a team going for the title, you need to score more, let's be honest.

While he has been brilliant in linking up play and leading the press, Nunez will be desperate to find the back of the net.

Can he do so tonight?

Aston Villa fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

After worries that Youri Tielemans may be out today, he is actually fit enough to start for the Villans.

Emery makes two changes from the side that were beaten heavily by Tottenham last week.

One of the surprise omissions is John McGinn as the captain drops to the bench with Leon Bailey coming in.

The other is an enforced change as Diego Carlos starts instead of the injured Matty Cash.

Just the two changes for Liverpool then.

The usual left-back rotation happens again as Andrew Robertson comes in for Kostas Tsimikas who has started the last two games.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez also comes into the team with Cody Gakpo dropping to the bench after his goal in midweek.

Happy with this side, Liverpool fans?

Just settling in at Anfield ahead of what should be another roaring atmosphere. Aston Villa are in poor form but this will still be a big test - and Liverpool must put in a better first half than the poor first 45 minutes against Brighton last Saturday.

Team news out at 6.45pm and Arne Slot has two big calls to make: Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas... and which two of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo make up the front three with Mo Salah? Stay tuned for more!

Aston Villa have not been in the best of form recently, have they?

They have lost three on the bounce in all competitions and have not won a Premier League match since 19 October.

It's not often we have seen Unai Emery's side struggle like this, and we know it won't last forever.

But they could not be visiting a harder place while in this form, with Liverpool flying at the moment.

We have seen Villa spring surprises against big teams in the past, though, and they will be looking to do that here.

Can they spring a surprise on Merseyside?

Arne Slot, Liverpool boss, speaking on Friday:

Quality is one thing, but to be consistent is the second thing and I'm not surprised in this because from the moment I started working with them I saw how much energy they put in on a daily basis.

And that is, I think, the reason why you can be consistent – if you do the work on a daily basis. You can be consistent and then sometimes a bit of luck comes with that as well.

Most of our results were, I think, deserved but some of them were a close call and then maybe you have a bit of luck as well. But in general, [I'm] not surprised because of the quality I already thought was in the team, and when I started working with them I also saw how much effort they put in to get these results.

Unai Emery has played in a similar style now for years at Aston Villa. It's almost always the same formation, but it sometimes depends on the player that you can have different characteristics, but his style of play, his idea about football, has been the same always.

What a campaign Liverpool are having under Arne Slot, eh?

Every Reds fan that I talk to can't believe the position they are in at this moment in time, and neither can I.

Going into this weekend, Liverpool were two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, while also sitting at the summit of the Champions League.

They have been on a roll, winning 14 of 16 matches in all competitions this season, with their only loss coming to Nottingham Forest in mid-September.

Surely this run can't last forever.

It will certainly be challenged today by an Aston Villa side who are in dire need of a victory.

Can the Reds take another three points and stay top?

Well, this is new, isn't it?

It's not often we are treated to late-night football on Saturday, so this is a real treat.

It's a cracker of a match too, as Premier League leaders Liverpool take on Aston Villa at Anfield.

These two sides certainly know how to entertain us and have delivered many belting matches in the past.

I have a feeling that today will be no different.

You are all going to want to strap yourselves in as this could be a rollercoaster of a night.

So, I think it's now time to get this show on the road.