Liverpool head to Villa Park on Friday night with Champions League football tantalizingly close—just one win away for either side. Both teams sit level on 59 points, making this a high-stakes showdown that could define their seasons.

Arne Slot's men are eager to shake off recent disappointments after tough results against Manchester United and Chelsea. The Anfield faithful voiced their frustration with boos after last week's draw, and the Reds will need to rediscover their edge. But there's a glaring issue: Liverpool have lost eight times on the road in the Premier League this season, a stat that will give Aston Villa plenty of confidence.

There's good news on the injury front. Mohamed Salah is fit and available after a hamstring scare, giving Slot a potent attacking option. Alexander Isak, who only featured from the bench against Chelsea, could also be in line for a starting role. However, doubts linger over Ibrahima Konate, Alisson Becker, and Florian Wirtz—all will face late fitness tests.

"Ibou is OK, trained with us," Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference. "Mo will be available tomorrow for only a few minutes, but hopefully can come in. Alisson trains with us again, let's see where he is tomorrow."

Confirmed absentees include Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo, limiting Slot's options from the bench.

Possible Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak.

The action kicks off at 8pm BST at Villa Park, live on Sky Sports. For Liverpool, this is more than just a game—it's a chance to silence the doubters and take a giant step toward Europe's elite.