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Liverpool travel to Aston Villa tonight aiming to extend their seven-point lead at the Premier League summit, while Villa seek to reignite their faltering top-four hopes.

The Reds, unbeaten in 21 league games, scraped a nervy 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend but face a stern test against Unai Emery’s side, who are winless in four league matches (three draws, one loss).

Villa’s injury crisis—missing Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and makeshift center-back Boubacar Kamara—has exposed defensive frailties, conceding 10 goals in their last five games.

Historically, Liverpool dominates this fixture, losing just once in 14 meetings.

However, Villa’s thrilling 3-3 comeback here last season—featuring two stoppage-time goals—serves as a warning.

With Arsenal lurking, victory would send Liverpool 10 points clear, intensifying their title charge.

Arne Slot is aware of the threat that Emery’s side still carries, however, saying in his own pre-match press conference:

“I think Villa away, when you get the fixture list, you all know that Villa away is one of the tougher ones you can face.”

“They qualified for [the] top eight in the Champions League, so it tells you that it’s a strong team we are going to face.”

Aston Villa vs Liverpool sees officiating change

A late change has been made to the officiating team for tonight’s crucial Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park according to the Mirror.

Stuart Attwell, originally appointed to referee the match, has been replaced by Craig Pawson due to “operational reasons” linked to scheduling adjustments.

Pawson, 45, was initially set to oversee Monday’s Championship fixture between Leeds United and Sunderland before the swap.

While some fans speculated the change stemmed from Pawson’s reported support for Sheffield United, sources confirm the decision was purely logistical, with no conflict of interest involved.

Pawson brings extensive experience, having refereed 15 Liverpool matches since 2017?

The Reds have 10 wins, three draws, and two defeats under his stewardship.

Aston Villa, missing seven players due to injury, face an uphill battle against league leaders Liverpool.

The match carries added tension given Villa’s frustration over a rejected request to reschedule the fixture amid their injury crisis

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