Does Salah play today? Aston Villa x Liverpool in the Premier League

Liverpool faces Aston Villa, this May 15, 2026, in a match valid for the 37th round of Premier League, but with doubts about the presence of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian striker appears with an unconfirmed injury to the back of his thigh and his participation has not yet been made official by coach Arne Slot. The game takes place on Villa Park, on Birmingham, at 4pm (Brasília time), and will be broadcast on Disney+.

The uncertainty regarding Salah marks a tense week for Liverpool, as they seek to maintain their offensive campaign in the final stretch of the English championship. Liverpool is in 4th place with 59 points, while Aston Villa occupies 5th place, also with 59 points. Qualquer stumble could significantly alter the race for Champions League.

Histórico between the clubs and context of the confrontation

Aston Villa and Liverpool have already faced each other once in this 2025-2026 season. Conforme official records, the two clubs have recent direct confrontations that help define the tactical pattern of both teams. This Thursday’s classic marks the penultimate game of the regular season, leaving everything open for the final round.

Unai Emery, coach of Aston Villa, leads a team that has been performing well in the championship. Villa Park is a stadium that offers real difficulties for visitors, a factor that can weigh heavily in the absence of important players. Referee Chris Kavanagh was appointed to referee the match, a professional who records an average of 3.68 cards per game.

Escalações and confirmed embezzlements

Aston Villa presents important defensive problems. The home team is without Amadou Onana (calf injury) and Hugo Ekitiké (Aquiles hamstring injury). Apesar also has midfielder Youri Tielemans, who should be the offensive highlight of Birmingham’s team.

Liverpool has absences in different sectors. Goalkeeper Alysson remains injured (muscle problem). Left-back Wataru Endo suffered a broken ankle and is not traveling. Stefan Bajčetić is also out with a hamstring injury. The biggest question is Mohamed Salah:

• Mohamed Salah: unconfirmed injury to the posterior thigh
• Harvey Elliott: club decision keeps him out
• Ibrahima Konaté: knock, undefined status

Provável formation of Liverpool without Salah

Caso Salah is not released, Arne Slot must maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation. Ryan Gravenberch remains a reference in midfield, with consistent performance. Alisson in goal, with the defensive line formed by Virgil van Dijk (captain), Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson and Jarell Quansah. In the middle, Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz and Curtis Jones form the offensive sector, with Darwin Núñez in attack.

Liverpool’s defense is reorganized to compensate for absences, while the attack remains dependent on its playmakers. Van Dijk, central defender, represents 25 years of experience in English derbies. Liverpool maintains possession of the ball as a tactical weapon.

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Aston Villa with full lineup

Unai Emery sets up Aston Villa in their traditional 4-2-3-1 formation. Emiliano Martínez in goal. The defense will feature Mateo Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne. Youri Tielemans and John McGinn in midfield, a duo that records 71 ​​and 60 points respectively in technical performance. In attack, Emile Buendía, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins.

Watkins is Aston Villa’s main offensive threat. The English striker is on a positive streak and should take advantage of any space left by the visiting defense. Full-back Cash (analysis: 65 in attack) can be creative on the flanks.

Possíveis tactical changes from Slot

Arne Slot can choose two scenarios. In the first, with Salah on the field, they maintain the traditional offensive pressure. In the second, without the Egyptian, he tends to reinforce the midfield with another defensive midfielder, leaving Jota and Luis Díaz as openers on the sides. The configuration will depend on the result of the last-minute physical test.

The absence of Salah would reduce Liverpool’s offensive variability. The striker is responsible for 40% of the chances created in recent games. Seu natural replacement would be Curtis Jones, the most offensive player among the available midfielders.

Odds and bettors’ expectations

The bookmakers defined Liverpool as a slight favorite, with odds of 2.40. Aston Villa appears at 2.88, while the draw is priced at 3.50. The uncertainty about Salah influenced market movements in the last 24 hours, with data collected on specialized platforms.

The fan community poll has Liverpool with 51% confidence in victory, against 35% for Aston Villa. The market awaits the official statement from Liverpool.

Transmissão and practical information

The match will be shown exclusively by Disney+ on Brasil. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m., with up-to-the-minute coverage available on sports platforms. The broadcast will have commentators specializing in Premier League.