Aston Villa vs Liverpool LIVE
- REPORT: Aston Villa win the Champions League battle and leave Liverpool’s season at breaking point
- 90+2' GOAL! Van Dijk scores again but it's a consolation goal (AVL 4-2 LIV)
- 89' GOAL! McGinn caps off superb night for Villa (AVL 4-1 LIV)
- 73 GOAL! Watkins is quick to pounce on tap in (AVL 3-1 LIV)
- 57' GOAL! Szoboszlai's slip allows Watkins to restore lead (AVL 2-1 LIV)
- 52' GOAL! Van Dijk heads in equaliser for Liverpool (AVL 1-1 LIV)
- 42' GOAL! Rogers finishes slick move with curling effort (AVL 1-0 LIV)
Aston Villa win the Champions League battle and leave Liverpool’s season at breaking point
Friday 15 May 2026 22:22 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe only previous time Unai Emery had beaten Liverpool was in a Europa League final. As, a decade later, he ended a wait for a second, he set Aston Villa up perfectly to emulate his Sevilla side in their continental exploits. He may also end up consigning Liverpool to his favourite competition, the Europa League.
Aston Villa’s win leaves Liverpool’s season at breaking point
Watkins on continued success versus Liverpool
Saturday 16 May 2026 00:00 , Mike JonesWatkins continued: "Liverpool play a high line and don't play offside so they're disjointed at the back and feel like there's a lot of space for me to run into. No disrespect to them, the centre backs are world class but I spot space and opportunities. I like to run in behind.
"Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside, they play such a high line. I shouldn't be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan [Rogers] have a great connection.
"Buzzing Pau [Torres] missed that, I knew I wasn't offside. It's horrible when it goes to VAR you never know but you can't ask for anything more as a striker with a little tap in there."
Watkins on qualifying for Champions League
Friday 15 May 2026 23:50 , Mike JonesAston Villa’s star striker said: "An amazing achievement. What we have done this season after the start we had - a poor start where we hardly scored and didn't win for six games - there was a lot of doubt and negativity around the club and he feeling in camp.
“We've turned it around with some big performances. Amazing to play in the Champions League, a lot of amazing teams, football that everyone watches and the competition that everyone is striving to play in."
Emery sums up Villa's season
Friday 15 May 2026 23:40 , Mike Jones"To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy, we had fantastic season in the Premier League. I am so proud,” said Villa manager Unai Emery
"We try to be demanding in both competitions and we are very serious preparing for games, knowing the difficulties. We started poor in the Premier League, the second part of the season, we lost lots at home but we did it.
“Before the match I was worried about the level we had to play at but I am so happy at how we did it.”
Reaction from Unai Emery
Friday 15 May 2026 23:30 , Mike JonesThe Aston Villa boss told Sky Sports: "Fantastic, today the match was very important for us because the the priority was the Premier League.
“We faced Liverpool and tested ourselves. It was a tough match in the first half but the second half was fantastic. I am grateful for the supporters. Champions League, this is something amazing."
Will Slot be sacked?
Friday 15 May 2026 23:20 , Mike Jones"It's not about me it's about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it and that's enough,” said Slot on if he will be Liverpool manager next season.
“Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well.
“The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League."
Why has Liverpool's away form been bad?
Friday 15 May 2026 23:10 , Mike JonesThe manager attempted to answer that question by saying: "In general teams struggle more away from home but for a top team like us it's far too many losses and dropped points. That hugely has to do with the way we concede is far too easy in general.
“We have chances but we've not been as clinical in fishing them this season as we were last season. It doesn't help that [Alexander] Isak has hardly played for us or that Hugo [Ekitike] has been unavailable.
“It is what it is. Next week, Brentford is where our focus is."
Slot assess the damage
Friday 15 May 2026 23:00 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool boss explained: "After 2-1 it went away from us. Before that I think we started well in the first 10 minutes of the second half then we had control of the game without creating chances - but that is not the first time this season. At 1-1 we were close to going 2-1 and then conceding the goal at 2-1 the way we conceded the goal is something we haven't had this season yet. We have conceded a lot of goals this season which you'd find hard to believe unless you live it and that's what we did today. Villa were the better team after that and the game went away from us.
"It's not about me or how frustrated I am it's frustrating for everyone involved - players, staff and definitely fans. Frustrating for players who came back and in football you can slip [Dominik Szoboszlai], but it's so unfortunate. That is something that's probably part of our season. We know what to do next week."
Watkins is Liverpool's nemesis
Friday 15 May 2026 22:50 , Mike JonesEx-Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports: “He [Ollie Watkins] is Liverpool's nemesis - they just can't handle him.
“Nobody gives Virgil van Dijk more difficulties than Ollie Watkins, he's an absolute menace to Liverpool.
“The fact that he's the main man - and they've got such a good understanding, him and Morgan Rogers, they're telepathic at times.”
A place on the plane?
Friday 15 May 2026 22:42 , Mike JonesHe has scored 14 goals in the Premier League this season (two in this game).
Nine of those goals from Watkins have come after the last March international break, where he was left out of Thomas Tuchel's 35-man squad.
Has he earned back his place on the plane to the World Cup?
England's best
Friday 15 May 2026 22:30 , Mike JonesOllie Watkins has been directly involved in more goals than any other Englishman has across all competitions this season for a Premier League club (24 – 19 goals, 5 assists), one more than teammate Morgan Rogers (23 – 13 goals, 10 assists).
Full-time! Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:59 , Mike Jones90+8 mins: And there’s the whistle.
Aston Villa have proven triumphant over their rivals for the Champions League places and have secured their spot in the European top-flight next season.
Next up for Unai Emery’s men is the Europa League final and the chance to add silverware to this fine season.
GOAL! Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk, 90+2')
Friday 15 May 2026 21:51 , Mike JonesVan Dijk has a second goal!
Szoboszlai lifts the ball into the box and picks out his captain who nods in another goal.
Liverpool have six minutes to score twice more.
Aston Villa 4-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Eight minutes of added time to play at Villa Park.
GOAL! Aston Villa 4-1 Liverpool (John McGinn, 89')
Friday 15 May 2026 21:48 , Mike JonesWow!
John McGinn puts the icing on the cake with a brilliant strike to fire the ball into the top corner.
He shoots from the front edge of the box and curls it just enough to beat Mamardashvili.
Villa are storming into the Champions League.
Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:46 , Mike Jones86 mins: Mo Salah swings in a cross but there’s no teammates around to get onto the end of the pass.
Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:43 , Mike Jones83 mins: Liverpool win a corner that gets headed clear by the hosts.
There’s a quick VAR check for a shirt pull on Van Dijk by Martinez but nothing comes from it.
Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:39 , Mike Jones80 mins: Ngumoha weaves his way into the box and slips the ball back ot Szoboszlai who is clipped outside the area.
The referee sees it as a fair challenge, which is was, and Villa carry the ball away.
Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:35 , Mike Jones76 mins: Mohamed Salah is on for Liverpool and this will be his final away game for the Reds.
Can he bring a bit of the old spark back for his team and get them back into the game?
GOAL! Aston Villa 3-1 Liverpool (Ollie Watkins, 73')
Friday 15 May 2026 21:34 , Mike JonesIt’s that man again!
The argy bargy between Mac Allister and Konsa is overshadowed now.
The corner for Villa is whipped into the box and comes out to the edge of the area.
Tielemans hooks a volley back towards goal but Mamardashvili makes the save. He palms it to Pau Torres whose next shot hits the goalkeeper.
Watkins takes advantage of the second rebound and increases the Villa lead.
Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:31 , Mike Jones72 mins: There’s now a VAR check for violent conduct.
Mac Allister and Konsa are in a confrontation with some shirt pulling and some shoving.
The Argentine goes to ground after a clip to the face and is faking an injury.
Arne Slot isn’t happy, he’s telling his players to get Mac Allister back on his feet.
Slot may have been spared an awkward reception
Friday 15 May 2026 21:29 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkWhen Chiesa and Wirtz warmed up, the temptation was to wonder if Rio Ngumoha, whose substitution last week was booed, was coming off.
“Not so, which may have spared Arne Slot an awkward reception.”
Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:29 , Mike Jones69 mins: Changes from Arne Slot.
Florian Wirtz and Federico Chiesa are on in place of Ryan Gravenberch and Joe Gomez.
Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:23 , Mike Jones63 mins: There’s a loud shout from the Villa supporters for a free kick as Konate and Watkins get into a tangle challenging for the aerial ball.
The referee lets play go on though and Liverpool get to the other end for a corner.
An unfortunate slip
Friday 15 May 2026 21:20 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkDominik Szoboszlai's Gerrard moment? An unfortunate slip and a big goal conceded.”
GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool (Ollie Watkins, 57')
Friday 15 May 2026 21:17 , Mike JonesA slip from Szoboszlai at the back for Liverpool releases Rogers to collect the ball in a very dangerous area.
He flicks it into the box for Watkins who guides the ball into the far corner and restores Villa’s lead!
Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:16 , Mike Jones57 mins: Close!
Rio Ngumoha cuts inside again and this time fires a shot at goal. It’s a fine strike and rattles the far post!
Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:15 , Mike Jones56 mins: Liverpool have been good value in this second half but they almost find themselves behind.
Ollie Watkins is fed through the the lines as Liverpool push high.
He’s clear on goal and slots it past Mamardashvili only for the offside flag to go up.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk, 52')
Friday 15 May 2026 21:12 , Mike JonesLiverpool have their equaliser!
Or do they?
Virgil van Dijk drifts past his marker as a corner comes into the box. He’s over by the far post and nods the ball into the opposite bottom corner.
There’s a VAR check happening though to see if Van Dijk fouled Matty Cash in the build-up...
He didn’t! The goal stands.
Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:10 , Mike Jones51 mins: Oh!
Ngumoha drives down the left and gets to the byline before hooking the ball into the far side of the area.
Curtis Jones gets on the end of it and has a shot blocked before the rebound comes to Gomez whose effort strikes the nearest defender as well.
Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:08 , Mike Jones48 mins: Szoboszlai drives forward on the right side for Liverpool and curls in an attempted cross.
He sends it too close to Martinez though and the goalkeeper plucks the ball out of the air.
Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:07 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkOn comes Ross Barkley who will not be required against Freiburg. He isn't in Villa's Europa League squad and replace Victor Lindelof.
Second half! Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 21:05 , Mike JonesVilla get the ball rolling for the second half.
Ignore the doubters and criticism – Arne Slot is going nowhere
Friday 15 May 2026 21:00 , Richard JollyArne Slot has been involved in the discussions about Liverpool's pre-season tour and the summer recruitment. And a year ago, that sentence would have been utterly unremarkable, a statement of the obvious. Now the context is different.
A season of speculation has stemmed more from results and a feeling among the fanbase than Slot himself or his employers. They, with their preference for silence, have said very little. But their inactivity has been an indication that Slot remains their choice and he said: “I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.”
Ignore the doubters and criticism – Arne Slot is going nowhere
HT Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:56 , Mike JonesHere’s Morgan Rogers’ opener:
Morgan Rogers with a stunning finish to give Aston Villa the lead over Liverpool 🎯 pic.twitter.com/zEfIBzvVdX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2026
HT Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:52 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:48 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: Villa take a slender lead into the break and they’ve left Liverpool with work to do to get back into this game.
In truth the match has been fairly even, as you’d expect from two clubs next to each other in the table.
Villa’s lead comes courtesy of a fine strike from Rogers.
Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:46 , Mike Jones45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Liverpool's set piece woes
Friday 15 May 2026 20:46 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkMorgan Rogers' goal stemmed from a short corner and Villa’s set-piece coach Austin McPhee celebrated, but that means Liverpool have now conceded 19 set-piece goals in the Premier League this season.
“It is the most in the division.”
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Liverpool (Morgan Rogers, 42')
Friday 15 May 2026 20:43 , Mike JonesOh that is delightful.
Lucas Digne plays a corner all the way back to John McGinn and the Liverpool defenders push out of their own box.
McGinn slides it back to Digne who flicks it inside for Morgan Rogers.
Rogers takes a touch then curls his effort into the far bottom corner!
Villa take the lead.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:42 , Mike Jones41 mins: Matty Cash is shown a harsh yellow card. He moves in to challenge Milos Kerkez who is clearing Liverpool’s danger zone.
Kerkez follows through andcollides with Cash’s outstretched leg.
The referee sees the challenge as heavy and books the Villa man. A harsh, if understandable, call from the official.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:38 , Mike Jones39 mins: Szoboszlai swings another corner kick into the six yard box and Konate is there.
So too is Martinez and the goalkeeper pushes it away before it reaches the big centre back.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:36 , Mike Jones36 mins: Liverpool’s control continues but there hasn’t been much of a threat.
Creatively, the Reds have been found lacking all season in front of goal and that’s one of the reasons the fans have latched so strongly onto Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager seems fearless and is willing to take players on.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:34 , Mike Jones33 mins: Villa have defended well. The last 15 minutes have all belongs to Liverpool who’ve had five shots with two of them on target in that time.
Gomez launches a throw in into the Villa box from the left but the hosts smoke it clear once again.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:33 , Mike Jones30 mins: Liverpool win a couple of corners in quick succession. The first is played short and leads to the second.
The second is whipped onto the head of Alexis Mac Allister whose headed is turned over the top!
Gakpo was clearly offside
Friday 15 May 2026 20:30 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkCody Gakpo was clearly offside there but Villa conceded a goal at Burnley on Sunday from Emi Martinez's poor handling.
“The goalkeeper was at fault again for Gakpo's disallowed goal, even if it didn't matter.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:28 , Mike Jones27 mins: Rio Ngumoha gets the Liverpool fans excited with a fine effort. He darts inside from the left and whips a shot over the crossbar.
Disallowed!
Ngumoha again influences the Liverpool attack from the left but this time finds Ryan Gravenberch.
Gravenberch shoots and hits Martinez who fumbles the ball only to watch Gakpo leap onto it and slot it home.
He’s offside though.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:23 , Mike Jones24 mins: Dominik Szoboszlai swings a free kick into the Villa box but Pau Torres rises highest to head the ball away.
Liverpool recycle it back into the box and there’s a scramble with the visitors desperately trying to get onto it.
Gakpo goes down under pressure from Ezri Konsa and Torres before Watkins hooks the ball clear.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:21 , Mike Jones21 mins: Oh hello!
Joe Gomez pushes his way up the pitch and receives the ball over on the right side.
He takes a touch and decides to shoot but as he strikes the ball he slips on the turf and lifts the effort way over the top.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:20 , Mike Jones18 mins: Emi Martinez fires a long ball up the pitch and Van Dijk is there to beat Watkins to it.
The ball comes loose and almost drops to Morgan Rogers but Konate is on hand to hook it clear for the Reds.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:18 , Mike Jones18 mins: Emi Martinez fires a long ball up the pitch and Van Dijk is there to beat Watkins to it.
The ball comes loose and almost drops to Morgan Rogers but Konate is on hand to hook it clear for the Reds.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:15 , Mike Jones15 mins: Watkins is back on his feet and back on the pitch. He looks okay but the initial reaction was worrying for the striker.
He won’t want to get injured at this stage of the season with a European final and a World Cup on the horizon.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:13 , Mike Jones12 mins: Watkins makes a run down the left side and collects an aerial pass.
Liverpool can’t clear their lines and Joe Gomez gives up a free kick to the visitors.
Youri Tielemans plays it short to Matty Cash but his effort from the edge of the box is charged down.
There was risk in Emery picking his strongest side
Friday 15 May 2026 20:11 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe risk for Unai Emery in picking his strongest side was that someone would get injured and miss the Europa League final.
“It was a worrying moment for Villa when Watkins went down in pain.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Unai Emery is gesturing on the sidelines after Ollie Watkins takes a heavy landing following Van Dijk’s tackle.
Watkins receives some treatment and hobbles off the pitch... for the time being.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: Villa work the ball quickly forward and chip it out to the left where Lucas Digne is making a forward run.
He brings the ball under control and fires it into the box towards Ollie Watkins.
Watkins takes a shove by Virgil van Dijk who nudges him away from the ball and clears the danger.
Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:05 , Mike Jones3 mins: Liverpool take control of the ball and slowly work through the middle of the pitch.
Cody Gakpo looks to poke it out to the right side of the pitch but the pass is intercepted and Villa regain possession.
A slow start to this match.
Kick off! Aston Villa 0-0 Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 20:01 , Mike JonesLiverpool get the ball rolling at Villa Park and it’s booted over to the right wing and out for a Villa throw in.
In truth, both these teams should finish inside the top five but only one of them can confirm that tonight with victory.
Who will it be?
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 19:56 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out of the tunnel and onto the pitch at Villa Park.
This is a clash of Premier League heavyweights and one that will decide which of the teams will secure Champions League football tonight.
Kick off is up next...
Stepping up
Friday 15 May 2026 19:50 , Mike JonesJohn McGinn has been involved in five goals in his last six appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions, while his nine goals overall this term is his joint-best return in a single campaign for the Villans.
Watkins is the star man
Friday 15 May 2026 19:45 , Mike JonesOllie Watkins has been involved in 12 goals in his last 13 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions (9 goals, 3 assists).
He’d only been involved in nine in his first 39 games this season (8 goals, 1 assist).
A dip in form
Friday 15 May 2026 19:40 , Mike JonesAston Villa have lost four of their last eight Premier League home games - more than they had in their previous 36 at Villa Park.
A tale of two halves
Friday 15 May 2026 19:35 , Mike JonesFrom October to the end of January, Aston Villa won more games than any other Premier League side (13), with no side winning more points (40, level with Arsenal).
Since the start of February, only four sides have won fewer points than the Villans (13).
Ignore the doubters and criticism – Arne Slot is going nowhere
Friday 15 May 2026 19:30 , Richard JollyArne Slot has been involved in the discussions about Liverpool's pre-season tour and the summer recruitment. And a year ago, that sentence would have been utterly unremarkable, a statement of the obvious.
Now the context is different. A season of speculation has stemmed more from results and a feeling among the fanbase than Slot himself or his employers. They, with their preference for silence, have said very little. But their inactivity has been an indication that Slot remains their choice and he said: “I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.”
Ignore the doubters and criticism – Arne Slot is going nowhere
A bad ending
Friday 15 May 2026 19:25 , Mike JonesLiverpool haven’t won their final away league match in any of the last three seasons, with these games seeing 19 goals scored in total.
Ending on a high
Friday 15 May 2026 19:20 , Mike JonesAston Villa haven’t lost their final home league match in any of the six seasons since their return to the Premier League in 2019.
Can Liverpool beat them tonight?
A leage double for Liverpool?
Friday 15 May 2026 19:15 , Mike JonesLiverpool won the reverse fixture at Anfield 2-0 in November.
They last did the league double over Aston Villa in 2021-22, while they last did so without conceding in 1995-96.
Expect Liverpool to score
Friday 15 May 2026 19:10 , Mike JonesLiverpool have scored at least twice in 10 of their last 11 Premier League away games against Aston Villa, including the last eight in a row.
Only Manchester City (11 at Fulham) and Manchester United (9 at West Brom) have had longer runs of scoring 2+ goals away at an opponent in the competition.
No Isak for Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 19:07 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThere is also no Alexander Isak, who came back from injury to play for about 25 minutes last week, only to get injured again.”
Emery has only beaten Liverpool once
Friday 15 May 2026 19:06 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkUnai Emery has only beaten Liverpool once, but it was in a Europa League final.
“Now, as he prepares for a Europa League final, he has named the team that beat Nottingham Forest in the semi-final; which, in turn, is a sign that failing to beat Burnley means both of these teams may need the points to guarantee a Champions League place.
“Arne Slot brings Joe Gomez back at right-back. Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah are back on the bench, though the latter may only play a few minutes.”
A record to forget
Friday 15 May 2026 19:05 , Mike JonesAston Villa have won just one of their last 16 Premier League games against Liverpool (three draws, 12 defeats).
However that victory was a 7-2 home win in October 2020.
Arne Slot has ‘every reason to believe’ he will not be sacked
Friday 15 May 2026 19:00 , Richard JollyArne Slot says he has every reason to believe he will be in charge of Liverpool again next season as he expressed his confidence he will not be sacked.
The Dutchman is involved in discussions about Liverpool’s summer plans while his talks with the club’s hierarchy do not give him any concerns he will be dismissed, despite their disappointing campaign.
Arne Slot has ‘every reason to believe’ he will not be sacked by Liverpool
Slot on dropping points
Friday 15 May 2026 18:54 , Mike Jones"We've also dropped points quite a lot in the last phase of a game, which maybe also has to do with the amount of games we have to play,” added Slot.
“That's not different to any other team but it's been done by mainly the same players.
"So, that's also why I have so much respect for these players, that they are in a difficult season – physically and mentally – and they have constantly been available, and that's been mainly the same players."
Slot on Liverpool's away form
Friday 15 May 2026 18:48 , Mike Jones"That's one of the reasons why we're in the position we are in, and what I mean with that is we wanted to be higher or doing better this season. But we've dropped far too many points in away games,” said the Liverpool boss when asked why Liverpool’s form away from home has been poor.
"And as I said, that's maybe always happening in the end of the season, you constantly feel you are telling everyone the same things. But dropping points in away games has mainly happened after playing in Europe, in games where usually Liverpool is able to win.
"Now Villa away doesn't matter if you play it after a game in Europe or after a week of rest, because this will always be a difficult game.”
Liverpool team to take on Villa
Friday 15 May 2026 18:48 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Gakpo, Gravenberch, Ngumoha
Our team to take on Aston Villa 👊 #AVLLIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 15, 2026
Aston Villa team to face Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 18:47 , Mike JonesAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Rogers, Watkins, Buendia
Tonight's starting XI for #AVLLIV 👊 pic.twitter.com/ibEIFxIPxc
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 15, 2026
Villa Park will create a great atmosphere
Friday 15 May 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesMore from Emery who spoke about the atmosphere he is expecting from the Aston Villa supporters.
“It’s a fantastic match,” said Villa’s boss. “I’m very motivated and excited, looking forward to the test as a team and as individuals.
“In Villa Park we will try to create a great atmosphere. Our supporters must be with us, and it should be a very good day.
“It was a special day when we were playing for the first time at home in a semi-final second leg. We needed them and they showed us their wishes to be with us, creating this atmosphere.
“Now, it’s the league, and our consistency makes sense when our supporters are helping us and supporting us.”
Liverpool are a fantastic team says Emery
Friday 15 May 2026 18:36 , Mike Jones“We are with the same points as them, and that’s something fantastic and something that we must be so proud of,” Unai Emery said of Aston Villa’s performance in the league this year.
“Now it’s about how we can test ourselves, playing against them.
“Liverpool has a fantastic coach, fantastic players. Maybe they’re not being consistent like they were last year, but they’re still a fantastic team, players and coach.
“To play tomorrow against them on day 37 in Villa Park with 59 points is something amazing.”
Unai Emery calls Harvey Elliott’s failed Aston Villa loan ‘embarrassing’
Friday 15 May 2026 18:30 , Mike JonesUnai Emery has admitted Harvey Elliott’s lack of involvement for Aston Villa this season has been embarrassing.
The midfielder has made just four Premier League appearances since joining Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool.
Villa would have had an obligation to buy had the 23-year-old played 10 times in the league.
Unai Emery calls Harvey Elliott’s failed Aston Villa loan ‘embarrassing’
Villa's big squad a good thing says Slot
Friday 15 May 2026 18:12 , Mike Jones"They [Villa] played Sunday, I think, so now we play on Friday, so I don't see being tired as a reason," Arne Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"I think one of the reasons why they are in the final of the Europa League and doing so well in the Premier League is because they have a big squad with many, many very good players and a lot of players that are of the same level, same high level.
"If you don't have that, you're not able to go all the way to the final in the Europa League and do so well in the Premier League.
"And the good thing for them is that, at the moment, they have one or two injuries but not so many. So, I think they are completely ready to go into Friday to go into Wednesday and then go into Sunday."
The standings
Friday 15 May 2026 18:06 , Mike JonesBoth teams come into this match sitting on 59 points with two matches left to play.
Liverpool have a +12 goal difference compared to Aston Villa’s +4.
Should Villa win tonight they would cut that deficit by at least one and would jump up to fourth in the table securing them a place in the Champions League next year.
Liverpool, who currently sit fourth, will also confirm their spot in the European top flight with a win.
Liverpool confirm decision over Harvey Elliott future after disastrous Aston Villa loan
Friday 15 May 2026 18:00 , Luke BakerArne Slot has revealed the decision on Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool future with his highly unproductive loan spell at Aston Villa set to come to an end.
Midfielder Elliott made the temporary switch to Villa Park at the end of last summer’s transfer window, on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy conditional on appearances made.
Liverpool confirm decision on Harvey Elliott future after disastrous Aston Villa loan
Emery on facing Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 17:54 , Mike Jones"Everything is very important and in the process we are [in] each game is very important,” Unai Emery said about the prospect of ending the season on a high with Aston Villa.
"But now we are getting to the end of the season with the target so, so close – the highest target we expected at the beginning.
“To finish the season in the top five is really something fantastic."
Emery gives update on Villa's team news
Friday 15 May 2026 17:48 , Mike JonesThe Aston Villa manager said: "We have the same players out.
“Amadou Onana is not available for tomorrow, Alysson as well is not, Kamara as well is not.
"But other players should be ready to play tomorrow."
Florian Wirtz is a doubt
Friday 15 May 2026 17:42 , Mike JonesLiverpool may be without Florian Wirtz for this key match against Villa.
Arne Slot explained: "Stomach infection [for Wirtz], so let's see how fit he is for tomorrow.
“He's on antibiotics. Let's see if he's ready to play tomorrow."
Positive injury updates for Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 17:36 , Mike JonesArne Slot gave a positive update on three of Liverpool’s key personnel who have missed recent weeks due to injury.
"Ibou [Konate] is OK, trained with us,” said Slot during Thursday’s press conference.
“Mo [Salah] 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, if he is ready already or has to wait one more week.
Joe Gomez admits uncertainty over Liverpool future
Friday 15 May 2026 17:30 , Richard JollyJoe Gomez has admitted he is unsure if he will be at Liverpool again next season as he said that “anything can happen” in the summer.
The defender is Liverpool’s longest-serving player but will enter the last year of his contract while the club have already signed two young defenders who could be his successors.
Joe Gomez admits uncertainty over Liverpool future: ‘Anything can happen’
Liverpool's early team news
Friday 15 May 2026 17:24 , Mike JonesLiverpool boss Arne Slot could welcome back three key players this week, with Florian Wirtz, Mo Salah and Alisson all in line to make a return at Villa Park.
Wirtz missed the last game through illness, so the Germany midfielder is the likeliest to come back in. Ibrahima Konate will likely face a late fitness test after limping off in the draw to Chelsea.
Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain sidelined, with only Japan international Endo likely to play again before the end of 2025/26.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Jones, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Isak.
Villa's early team news
Friday 15 May 2026 17:18 , Mike JonesFor Unai Emery, key midfielder Amadou Onana remains sidelined alongside winger Alysson. Though both hope to make a return before the end of the season, Boubacar Kamara will be out for longer.
Predicted Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Konsa, Barkley; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
How can I watch it?
Friday 15 May 2026 17:12 , Mike JonesThe match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 7pm BST.
Subscribers can also watch online via Sky Go and NOW.
When is Aston Villa vs Liverpool?
Friday 15 May 2026 17:06 , Mike JonesAston Villa vs Liverpool is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 15 May at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Friday 15 May 2026 17:00 , Mike JonesAston 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.
Good evening!
Friday 15 May 2026 15:27 , Mike JonesWelcome 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.
Neither team has guaranteed their place in the European top-flight next season and whoever wins tonight will be be sure of a fifth placed finish at the worst.
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.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
