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Liverpool boss Arne Slot hopes to have Ryan Gravenberch back from injury as he mulls over who to start against Aston Villa. Gravenberch has been sidelined since October 19 after suffering a twisted ankle in Liverpool’s 2-1 home defeat by bitter rivals Manchester United. Speaking in the post-match press conference after the Reds' Carabao Cup exit against Crystal Palace, Slot confirmed the Dutchman has a good chance of returning to action on Saturday night. "I think Ryan has a good chance,” Slot told reporters at Anfield. "The other ones are going to be... let's wait and see tomorrow and Friday. "I don't know [about] all of them but I think Ryan has the best chance from all of them." The “other ones” Slot is referring to are, presumably, Alexander Isak, Curtis Jones - both doubtful going into the Palace game - and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has missed the last five matches with a hamstring injury. With Giorgi Mamardashvili rested for the midweek cup tie, it’s a likely sign that Alisson is not yet ready to reclaim his position in between the posts and therefore the Georgia international should start once again. Slot did alter the set-up on Wednesday night, matching Palace back three system but noted “I wouldn't see too much into that” which suggests it will be a return to a flat back four against Villa as captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are recalled after being given the night off. Joe Gomez is an option at right-back should Slot wish to tighten things up defensively in search of a first clean sheet since the win over Burnley in the middle of September. There is a big decision to make in midfield if Gravenberch and Jones are passed fit as Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz are vying to fill the three positions up for grabs. In attack, Mohamed Salah is expected to start after his stunning strike against Brentford and it could be the same front three that started at the Gtech Community Stadium with Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike completing the lineup. Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike Injured: Frimpong, Leoni Doubts: Gravenberch, Isak, Jones, Alisson Time and date: 8pm GMT on Saturday November 1, 2025 How to watch: TNT Sports Venue: Anfield
