After becoming a parent, after earning a place in the table-topping team, after a stellar player-of-the-match performance in a high-profile game and after providing one of the Champions League highlights of the week, Curtis Jones has another milestone occasion in his sights: a first senior international cap for England.

At the age of 23, it’s hardly before time. Indeed, given the discourse and dissatisfaction over the Three Lions’ midfield over the last few years, it might in fact seem odd to some that a Liverpool regular with almost 150 games under his belt might only now get a shot at earning a first cap.

Aston Villa have faltered in recent weeks while Liverpool have carried on flying, so expect a home win despite it potentially being a close-fought contest.

Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa.

With the international break looming Liverpool will want to go out on a high and keep hold of their place at the top of the table so expect Arne Slot to name a strong team.

Here’s how we see the two teams lining-up to face each other today:

Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Nunez

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

Matty Cash (calf) and Ross Barkley are still sidelined for Aston Villa, while Tyrone Mings will likely drop to the bench following his midweek horror show that was criticised by his manager.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Diogo Jota (rib) won’t be back for Liverpool until after the international break, while Alisson (hamstring), Harvey Elliott (foot) and Federico Chiesa are also sidelined.

Ibrahima Konate has made a very swift return from a wrist injury sustained last weekend, as he started against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, and Slot also faces a choice between Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson at left-back, with the Greek seeming to have usurped the Scot as first choice in recent weeks.

The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream via the discovery+ app.

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Liverpool host Aston Villa at 8pm GMT on Saturday, 9 November at Anfield.

The Reds entered the weekend with a two-point lead at the summit of the table, having earned a hard-fought win over Brighton last weekend, though they face an Aston Villa side that is once again competing at the business end of proceedings.

Liverpool also featured in that competition in midweek, hammering Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 to move top of the table, and they welcome a Villa side who will be hoping to cause an upset in Merseyside as they look to stay around the Champions League places.

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Liverpool host Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League clash that could determine who sits top of the table over the international break.

The Reds currently occupy top spot but face stiff competition from Manchester City who sit second just two points behind them. With Villa proving to be tough opponents this year Arne Slot’s side will have to execute a near-perfect gameplan to break down their defence and get the three points.

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.