Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is currently light on defensive-minded players ahead of this afternoon’s game, with anchor man Stefan Bajcetic joining
Thiago Alcantara is not yet being ready to return from injuries that ended their respective 2022-23 campaigns early.
Klopp has deployed new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslzai together in an attacking 4-2-3-1 lineup during pre-season, a set-up
which would not come without risk against Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been tested in the midfield role which he excelled in on England duty at the start of the summer, while Curtis Jones is
another option following the summer exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Jota, Diaz
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Liverpool in talks to sign Jaden Philogene, Aston Villa exit on the cards if tempting offer submitted
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest
talking points at Villa Park…
Jaden Philogene has a decision to make with Liverpool in talks to sign the Aston Villa sensation, according to Alan Hutton.
Anfield Watch reported a week ago that Liverpool have opened discussions to sign the 21-year-old attacker, who’s performed well in the first team
during pre-season friendlies.
It is understood that Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the England Under-20 international but Newcastle United are also keen on him.
Philogene came off the bench for the closing stages of Villa’s 5-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday (12 August), meaning that he’s very much in the
first-team picture for Unai Emery.
However, Hutton can see why Liverpool would be an attractive prospect for the Villa academy product, who spent last season out on loan at Cardiff
City in the Championship.
“I saw that. It’s an interesting one,” Hutton told Villa News.
“He was given the opportunity in pre-season by Unai Emery to go and shine and that’s exactly what he’s gone and done.
“There’s an opportunity for him to play at Villa this season.
“If you look at all the players they’re trying to sign, they’re always wingers or players who can take people on in wide areas to create and make
things happen.
“Philogene does that, he’s proven that in pre-season.
“Again, the difficult thing is when a big team like Liverpool comes in for you, it’s hard to turn them down. But from the player’s point of view,
where does he see his best option going forward?
“Yes, Liverpool are a fantastic football club with a great history. Is he going there to play or is he going there to be someone for the future?
“Or does he stay at Aston Villa, fight for his place, get opportunities to play in the Premier League this season? He might not get that at Liverpool
so it’s really how he sees his future and his development.
“I think he’s got a better opportunity in the first team at Aston Villa.”
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