Liverpool predicted line-up vs Aston Villa with two key players set to return for Jurgen Klopp's side

Premier League action returns after a six-week World Cup break, with Liverpool taking on Aston Villa at Villa Park.

The Reds have lost six of their 14 games this term and currently sit some seven points from a Champions League spot.

Jurgen Klopp’s side take on a Villa, who have had a mini resurgence since the arrival of Unai Emery. The Birmingham-based club have beaten Manchester United and in-form Brighton in their last two Premier League encounters.

Fans can catch the game online via the Amazon Prime Video app and website. Here’s how the Reds could line up in their Premier League return.

Liverpool teams news

Both Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were absent from the Red’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City on Thursday.

Indeed, Van Dijk had only returned to training a day earlier after World Cup duty with the Netherlands. He could be in contention to start against Villa, however.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold was among several Liverpool players affected by illness. Indeed, Klopp admitted the England right-back is yet to train making Joe Gomez a likely candidate to fill the role.

Roberto Firmino also missed the midweek fixture after suffering a calf problem. Klopp said Liverpool were assessing the Brazilian’s situation “day-by-day”.

However, Milner hobbled off before half-time with a suspected hamstring issue and is set to miss the Villa encounter.

Klopp explained: "Milly will be out for a couple of games. Bobby is already on the better side of it, it's not a major thing and we will go day by day with him. Ox is fine. No other stuff. We have to be careful (with the viruses going around) like everyone else.

"Trent hopefully will be better. Hasn't taken part in a full session yet."

The Reds boss added that World Cup finalist Ibrahima Konate will take part in his first training season on the 27th.

Luis Diaz (knee), Arthur Melo (thigh) and Diogo Jota (calf) are long-term injury absentees.

Predicted XI

Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Nunez, Carvalho.

From 26-28th December, watch all 10 Premier League games live, including Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest and more. Watch for free with a 30-day trial to Prime!

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Jurgen Klopp, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk, Roberto Firmino

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.