Liverpool lineup vs Aston Villa: Minamino in, Mane and Firmino dropped

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Curtis Jones, Liverpool (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

CM – Curtis Jones

The teenager has already made 18 appearances this season with three goals and an assist to his name so far. After being an unused substitute against Southampton, Jones will be back in the playing XI on Friday and will be expected to deliver a solid performance from the middle of the park.

CM – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The England international made his first start of the season against Southampton and should make his second start against Aston Villa on Friday. No one in the entire Liverpool squad has had more success in the FA Cup than Oxlade-Chamberlain who won it thrice with Arsenal and will be keen on helping his team reach the next round of the competition.

AM – Xherdan Shaqiri

The third midfield position is a tough one to pick with a number of options remaining despite the absence of Naby Keita. For now, I’m going for Shaqiri to start as a No.10. The Swiss received some game time against Southampton and will be looking to make the most out of the start if he receives it. However, it won’t be much of a surprise if either of Thiago, Henderson or even Leighton Clarkson are included in the XI. Given that Wijnaldum has played a lot, there’s every chance of Klopp resting him.