Liverpool Vs Aston Villa
Dec 15, 2012
Anfield
3pm (UK )
Three wins and a draw in the last 5 games and Liverpool are slowly but steadily getting back to business. Though it is a long way to go and nothing can be said at this moment, a definite heads up must be given to Brendan Rodgers for the start of his managerial job at Anfield.
His stats so far:
| GP | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
For a club which has lost it’s way and are in a transition phase, it must be said Rodgers is the man for the Reds. Liverpool are back in the top half of the table after a dramatic win over WestHam last week and would love to take their winning streak to 3 games now as they host Aston Villa tomorrow.
3 points against Villa at Anfield, could see them challenging for the European spots as the Reds are just 4 points adrift of rivals Everton who are in 4th place with 26 points. With 4 points separating 6 clubs, this weekend’s results could change the look at the top half of the table.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in a much deeper problem facing a potential threat of relegation. 15 points after 16 games in the premier league is not a happy sight for the newly appointed Paul Lambert and the manager would be hoping for a repeat performance of his side’ triumph in the mid-week Carling cup win over Norwich. It has been 4 matches since the Villans last lost a game which should give them some encouragement ahead of the match. Currently at 17th place and above the drop by goal difference, a 0-0 result would be a great achievement to take back home.
Team News:
Suarez’ return will light the part at AnfieldLiverpool – The reds welcome back Luis Suarez who missed last week’s fixture due to suspension. The Uruguayan will be a major boost to the squad, the club’s top scorer would any-day be influential for his team mates. Jose Enrique is a big doubt after feeling tightness in his hamstring during the victory over West Ham United on Sunday. In other news injuried duo Borini and Martin Kelly are continuing their recovery and will miss the rest of 2012.
Aston Villa – Problems upfront continues for Lambert’s men as Villa will miss out on Darren Bent who picked up a knock in the side’s League Cup clash in midweek. Captain Ron Vlaar and defender Joe Bennett will not be available as the duo are yet to recover from their injuries.
Recent form
Liverpool: WDLWW
Aston Villa: LDWDD
Possible lineups
Liverpool: Reina; Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson; Lucas, Allen, Gerrard; Shelvey; Sterling, Suarez
Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Baker, Clark, Lichaj; Herd; Holman, Westwood, Bannan; Benteke, Agbonlahor
Match Facts:
Aston Villa have won just one of their last 16 Premier League away matches (W1 D6 L9), scoring just seven goals in that run.
This will be the fourth Premier League meeting in a row at Anfield between Liverpool & Villa where both sides will have different managers in the dugout. (Benitez v O’Neill, Hodgson v Houllier, Dalglish v McLeish and now Rodgers v Lambert).
Liverpool have won three of their last four Premier League home games (W3 D1 L0) after winning just three of the previous 15.
The Reds have kept four clean sheets in their last five league matches at Anfield, conceding just one goal in the other game.
Steven Gerrard has scored nine goals against Aston Villa, more than versus any other opponent in his Premier League career.
Only Manchester United (27) and Manchester City (24) have taken more points over the past 11 Premier League games than Liverpool (20).
Courtesy: Yahoosport
Prediction:
An in-form underdog side travel to face a Liverpool team who are finding their rhytm – an exciting match to lookout for this weekend. 2-1 win to the home side.