Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE: Team news with Salah set to return for battle to secure Champions League place

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Aston Villa vs LiverpoolAston Villa host Liverpool in the Premier League in a match that could have huge bearings on the race for Champions League football this season. Both sides come into their penultimate league game of 2025/26 level on points, and while Liverpool are ahead on goal difference, a loss for either side could be detrimental to their hopes of finishing in the top five, with Bournemouth lurking just four points behind.

Villa’s run to the Europa League final has come at the expense of their domestic form, with Unai Emery’s side having won just one of their last five games in the Premier League. However, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have also struggled of late, and with Villa able to fall back on the Europa League final as they bid for Champions League qualification, it certainly feels like this is a vital game for Liverpool as the champions bid to avoid the disaster of missing out on Europe’s top competition for 2026/27.

Mike Jones15 May 2026 17:00Good evening!Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Aston Villa host Liverpool in what could be a decisive clash for the Champions League spots. With that will come a place in Europe’s premium competition next season and the chance to end the Premier League campaign without pressure for the final match of the season.