Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at The London Stadium, in east London on November 30, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa will take on Liverpool in a third-round game of this season’s FA Cup at Villa Park. Dean Smith’s men have been doing well in the league this season, winning and drawing two games each in their last 5 outings.
Liverpool have been a bit off-colour this season as they suffered a loss against Southampton in their last game. The Reds are winless in their last 3 games. Aston Villa will have fond memories of facing Liverpool given the scoreline last time around. While that 7-2 scoreline might be hard to repeat, Villa will be hoping to give some more problems to Liverpool.
There will be a few names who will likely miss the trip to West Ham. Wesley and Trezeguet are surely ruled out for this one. Ross Barkley might not be risked, with some important fixtures coming up. A few changes in the usual line-up can be expected from Dean Smith.
As Dean Smith mentioned, Tom Heaton could get his first start of the season against Liverpool.
First choice for the side for a while now. Continues in his position.
Villa’s best defender, won’t have it easy with Liverpool’s all-star forward line.
Should get a chance in this game as a part of squad rotations.
The new signing has made the right-back spot his own and it looks unlikely anyone can displace him with his current form.
Has been quite a reliable presence in midfield for them. Unlucky to give away a soft penalty in the last game.
One of Villa’s best players in midfield and other than his passing, his late runs into the box are also something to watch.
There will be a lot riding on the captain who is probably their best player. Needs to be at his usual best to crack open Liverpool.
Traore is settling in well at the club and should get a start here.
With Trezeguet out for the time being, El Ghazi has done rather well through the right, chipping in with vital goals.
Davis might be given a chance here, given how Watkins is going through a lean patch for the side.