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Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Reds fans hopeful Sadio Mane's absence won't affect them ahead of crucial clash

Liverpool was hit with a blow in the form of Sadio Mane testing positive for Covid-19

Liverpool fans are optimistic about the team continuing their winning ways as they face off against Aston Villa on Sunday, October 4. The Reds have been unbeaten so far in the tournament and are currently placed second with Leicester City taking the top spot. Aston Villa, on the other hand, played two games and have won both. The Lions are fourth on the points table and will be looking to continue their winning streak.

Ahead of the clash, Liverpool was hit with a blow in the form of Sadio Mane testing positive for Covid-19. The forward was key in Liverpool's victory over Arsenal and following the news of his diagnosis, the club issued a statement: "Sadio Mane has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently self-isolating according to the necessary guidelines. The forward, who started and scored in Monday's 3-1 victory over Arsenal, has displayed minor symptoms of the virus but feels in good health overall."

It also added: "However, like with Thiago Alcantara, Liverpool Football Club are — and will continue to — follow all protocols relating to Covid-19 and Mane will self-isolate for the required period of time." However, despite the absence of two key players, Reds fans are confident of another win even though some questions were posed ahead of the game.

"Mane has been @LFC‘s savior in away games last season including the one against @AVFCOfficial where he got an assist and the stoppage time winner! Who from the front 3 will step up tomorrow is the question?" read one of the tweets. For some, Mane's absence wouldn't really hurt the team much considering the form they are in. "Yeah agree. I’ve gone with the same thought process. Leeds will be more open. Also not sure how Mané missing will effect Liverpool," one of the comments read, while some fans were optimistic of earning the three points.

As far as predictions go, here's a quick look. According to a user, Liverpool would go 3-0 against Aston Villa. "Chelsea 3 - 1 Crystal Palace Everton 2 - 0 Brighton Leeds 1 - 5 Man City Newcastle 1 - 1 Burnley Leicester 3 - 2 West Ham Southampton 0 - 1 West Brom Arsenal 1 - 0 Sheffield Utd Wolves 2 - 0 Fulham Man United 2 - 2 Tottenham Aston Villa 0 - 3 Liverpool".

Coming back to the yay-sayers. They are confident a massacre is on the cards. "Hahahahahahaha Villa vs Liverpool? Will be a massacre... Liverpool minimum goals will be 4," opined one of the fans ahead of the fixture. To end with, a question for Manchester United ahead of their clash against Tottenham Hotspur. "All i ask Like even Astonvilla are busy with the transfer window, the top 4 teams too, even Liverpool who won still got players and Manchester United out here "going for" but never bringing in the players."

What are your thoughts on Liverpool missing Mane? Can Aston Villa pull off a stunner? Liverpool takes on Aston Villa at 2.15 PM ET on Sunday (October 4). The game can be watched live on NBCSN.