Anfield readies itself again, lights warming like a stage curtain on a crisp November night, and Liverpool arrive with familiar purpose in the Premier League. Aston Villa visit with ambitions of their own, yet the noise will swell for a home side keen to steady rhythm after midweek experimentation.

Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool for the first time since moving to Real Madrid on Tuesday, when he will discover if absence has made Anfield hearts grow fonder.