Paul Merson issues Real Madrid demand to Liverpool and Arne Slot before Aston Villa game

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Paul Merson has told Liverpool to forget about next week's Champions League meeting with Real Madrid as the club aims to save its Premier League season this weekend. Not the best situation, and I worry for Liverpool because I don't see them beating Villa this weekend." Merson believes that Villa's players will go into the game feeling as though they have nothing to lose, as all the focus will be on Liverpool amid the team's atrocious run of form.

"If you are looking at the form table, Aston Villa are at the top and Liverpool are languishing towards the bottom," Merson said. And it's not just the games you are losing, it's also the confidence.

Even if they lose this game, it's not a big problem. That freedom will give them an advantage." Giving his verdict on Liverpool's team selection, he added: "A big question is whether or not Mohamed Salah starts this game for Liverpool.