Aston Villa vs Liverpool predicted lineups: Kendall doubt as Reds welcome players back

Liverpool could welcome Vivien Endemann, Lucy Parry and Mari Ward back into contention at Aston Villa, while Lucia Kendall’s fitness remains a consideration for the hosts.

The WSL fixture takes place at Keys Park, Hednesford on Sunday 18 October 2026, kicking off at 2pm BST.

Villa team news: Kendall’s recovery needs confirmation

Kendall withdrew from the England squad while managing a groin problem, as covered in our report on her international withdrawal. There was no verified clearance for this fixture when our prediction was prepared.

Maya Hijikata therefore gets our nod in her place. That is a cautious selection assumption, not confirmation that Kendall has been ruled out. The remaining choices largely follow Villa’s previous league team.

Liverpool team news: three players back training

Gareth Taylor has confirmed that Endemann, Parry and Ward have returned to training in Liverpool’s official fitness update.

Aurélie Csillag remains absent with an Achilles problem. Sophie Roman Haug and Anna Jøsendal have not resumed team training, while Ceri Holland is progressing towards a return rather than being confirmed available for Sunday. Mao Itamura is moving closer to readiness.

Endemann is included in our XI on the assumption she can start. Parry and Ward returning to contention does not automatically mean either will begin the match.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool predicted lineups

Aston Villa predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Okuma; Patten, Harviken, Deslandes; Wilms, Kielland, Taylor, Maritz; Grant, Hijikata; Vangsgaard.

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Keating; Kerr, Clark, Fisk, Bernabé; Nagano, Ramos; Endemann, Maclean, Kapocs; Olsson.

The selection decisions to watch

Villa’s predicted shape gives Chasity Grant and Hijikata room to work around Amalie Vangsgaard. Liverpool’s selection puts Kirsty Maclean between the lines, although the returning players’ fitness could influence both the starting team and the balance of the bench.

These are our predicted teams, not confirmed starting lineups. Fitness assessments, international workloads and tactical decisions can change the selections before kick-off.

The match is live in the UK on Sky Sports+, with YouTube coverage also listed. See our football on TV guide and women’s football section for more coverage.

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