“I hope this doesn’t bite us”, “He has been so much better” - Liverpool fans unhappy with 28-year-old missing out on line-up to face Aston Villa
Liverpool fans are conveying their displeasure on X after Arne Slot opted to drop Kostas Tsimikas for Andy Robertson in the starting XI to face Aston Villa. The two sides are set to face each other in the Premier League at Anfield later tonight (Saturday, November 9).
Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal for Liverpool. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson make up the defense. The midfield comprises Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones. Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez start up front to complete the starting XI.
Robertson has established himself as an Anfield legend over the years and was a mainstay during Jurgen Klopp's tenure. However, he has struggled at times defensively this season in his 14 appearances across competitions and is yet to register a single-goal contribution.
One fan was far from pleased by his inclusion as they posted:
"Tsimi, Szobo and Gakpo should be starting. I hope this doesn't bite us on the cheeks"
Another fan tweeted:
"Robertson? Why? Tsimikas has been so much better"
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"Start Tsimikas please. Why Robertson," one fan lamented
"Robbo no silly business today. come on reds," one fan commented
"Why not Tsimikas," another questioned
"ROBERTSON NOOO," one fan exclaimed
"Have been slipping a bit recently" - Mark Lawrenson makes scoreline prediction for Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has backed his former side to defeat Aston Villa in their upcoming Premier League clash. The Reds will be aiming to extend their momentum after recently dismantling Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League.
Arne Slot and Co. have been on the top of their game this season. They are currently at the summit of the league table with 25 points from 10 games. They could extend their lead at the top to five points if Man City lose to Brighton & Hove Albion tonight.
On the other hand, Aston Villa have shown signs of greatness and are in sixth place with 18 points. However, they have only won one of their last five league games, drawing three and losing one. They have also lost back-to-back games across competitions to Tottenham Hotspur and Club Brugge.
Lawrenson wrote (via Paddy Power News):
"I think Liverpool will win this one, Aston Villa have been slipping a bit recently. That goal they lost with against Brugge was crazy but it was a bit dopey too with Tyrone Mings picking the ball up. Liverpool have been quiet in the first half and then turning it on in the second so they might even come from behind but it will be close."
Lawrenson's Prediction: 2-1