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Aston Villa vs Liverpool Match Preview: Key Player Absences and Impact

Aston Villa host Liverpool at Villa Park, Birmingham, with kick-off on 2026-05-15 at 19:00 UTC in Premier League Regular Season - 37. Aston Villa arrive fourth on 62 points (goal difference 6), while Liverpool sit fifth on 59 points (goal difference 10), both chasing Champions League qualification.

Aston Villa Availability

Aston Villa face multiple absences.

  • Alysson (Muscle Injury) is sidelined.
  • H. Elliott (Loan agreement) is sidelined.
  • B. Kamara (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
  • A. Onana (Calf Injury) is sidelined.

All four are confirmed out rather than doubtful, trimming Unai Emery’s options in midfield and attack. Crucially, leading scorer O. Watkins, with 14 league goals and 3 assists, is available, as is key creator M. Rogers, who has contributed 10 goals and 6 assists from midfield.

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool also have a lengthy injury list.

  • Alisson (Muscle Injury) is sidelined.
  • S. Bajcetic (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
  • C. Bradley (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
  • H. Ekitike (Achilles Tendon Injury) is sidelined.
  • W. Endo (Foot Injury) is sidelined.
  • G. Leoni (Knee Injury) is sidelined.

H. Ekitike’s 11 goals and 4 assists make his absence a major blow to Liverpool’s attacking options.

Impact Summary

Aston Villa retain their primary attacking output through O. Watkins and M. Rogers, preserving much of their goal threat. Liverpool, by contrast, lose a significant share of their scoring punch with H. Ekitike sidelined, increasing the creative burden on Mohamed Salah, D. Szoboszlai and C. Gakpo to sustain their 62-goal league tally.

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