24 Aug 2009

Liverpool v Aston Villa: Pre-match preview + confirmed team

New Liverpool-Kop writer Heath Davies previews tonight's game against Aston Villa at Anfield.

At the tail-end of last season’s title chase, Liverpool put on an amazing display at Anfield to beat Europa challengers Aston Villa five-nil, the undoubted highlight of which was a Steven Gerrard hat-trick.

It proved an excellent period for the Reds whom had only just beaten arch rivals Manu Utd 4-1 at Old Trafford to set up a fascinating two horse title race. At the time, Villa where in a poor run of form but had chances before and after Dirk Kuyt’s opener after only eight minutes. Liverpool’s second from Albert Riera settled the nerves and from there the floodgates opened.

Liverpool v Aston Villa


Tonight’s Premier League clash mirrors events leading up to the return visit of the Villains. Liverpool, after a poor start at Spurs, bounced back at Anfield with four goals against a dogged Stoke whilst Villa have yet to win this term on the back of an away Europa defeat on Thursday.

Liverpool may well show changes from last season, though, with giant Greek centre back Sotirios Kyrgiakos prepared to step in for his league debut after his £2m transfer was finalized over the weekend.

With Martin Skrtel still a doubt after suffering a cracked jaw from team-mate Jamie Carragher in the opener at White Hart Lane, Daniel Agger is also due out for around six weeks after back surgery, although young Spanish center back Daniel Ayala had an inconspicuous and underrated senior debut against Stoke on Wednesday night that would have done no harm to his confidence.

What is certain is that Liverpool’s squad already looks a little stronger since the defeat at Spurs, during which I was very worried about the lack of quality from the bench as much as the poor performance on the pitch.

However, once squad members are at full fitness and we see the long awaited debut of Alberto Aquilani, hopefully sometime next month, I feel a Liverpool team at full strength will be prepared to show their title credentials.

Another quality addition to the side would be very welcome, and with rumours that the Reds maybe looking at Real Madrid’s out of favour attacking utility man Rafael Van Der Vaart, this may well happen before the September 1st transfer deadline.

But first the Reds must overcome Villa, and I predict another comfortable home win.

Confirmed team:

Reina, Insua, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Voronin, Riera, Ayala, Dossena, Kelly, Babel.

You can view Heath Davies' profile HERE --->>



10 comments:

  1. :'( >:o :'( :'( >:o >:o >:o

    is it anger or tears of frustration?

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  2. :'( >:o :'( :'( >:o >:o >:o

    is it anger or tears of frustration?

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  3. What a shock that was well done villa you are up and running now ,and what a way to do it with a 1...3 win at anfied  

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  4. Horrible defeat.  So much for 'Fortress Anfield'.

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  5. ok. i am going to be an optimist. I would suggest that we are two points behind... At the beginning of the season, we would have said that a win and 2 draws would have been okay (not great, mind you). 

    Remember, there are still 105 points still to play for.....

    now back to that crack that i was smoking......

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  6. Liverpool were guilty of arrogance and a workman like performance from the Villa was enough.  No matter who you are, if you don't put a 100% in you'll get stuffed by any team in the Prem.

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  7. That was some proper stuffing from the Villans !!! A Sneijder or Van Der Vaart would do u guys a helluva lot of Goodness...

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  8. That was some proper stuffing from the Villans !!! A Sneijder or Van Der Vaart would do u guys a helluva lot of Goodness...

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  9. Well, interesting post, thanks!

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