Liverpool v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Steve R]

Win this one and the game in hand and we are only three points behind them.

Both teams have currently lost the same number of league games this season. Liverpool have only won 5 of 15 at home. Heskey cost less than one tenth of the fee paid for Carroll.

Reina is due an own goal, it's been a while. I hope he appeals and is not be suspended. If he is it we be a case of players always scoring against their old teams.

Liverpool 1 (Downing) Aston Villa 2 (Warnock 2)

[hawkeye]

As much as I would love to turn them over, we are probably sending the weakest squad up there for a long long time. Liverpool are not a great team, you dont need to be a great team to beat us in our current plight. I hope Carlos is back and Mcliesh picks the right team and formation, if he dosent it could be very ugly.

[luke25]

Ok anybody know if any of the kids we've had on our bench recently is a pacey winger? If so i'd be tempted to throw them in and go 4-3-3 with him and Marc on the wings, Gabby up top and a midfield 3 of Herd, Gardner and Ireland.

I was thinking about a similar line up earlier, although i'd go for Bannan instead of Gardner.

As for pacey wingers, there's Carruthers but i'm not sure he's ready yet and Daniel Johnson. It might be being a bit too much to ask to throw one of those in at Anfield, so Heskey it is then.

Emiles my left back.

[eamonn]

Will Reina be banned from this game after his red card today?

Yes, it will be the 3rd of 3 a game ban according to a chap on R5.

Eh? They're playing twice before they meet us on Sat?! First of a 3 game ban surely. Anyway, the important thing is the bald racist is out.

[ozzjim]

Given, Hutton, Lichaj, Collins, Cuellar, Herd, Warnock, Ireland, Albrighton, Bannan, Gabby for me.

Then cross all fingers that we don't get injuries. Depending on the scoreline at 60 minutes, I would be tempted to get Gabby, Ireland off and a couple of the kids on to protect them for Stoke 48 hours later.

[Mister E]

Here's McLueless's pre-match motivational speech - http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/02/liverpool-dismal-league-campaign.
Not that there's been much evidence thus far that he can deliver such a thing.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Reina is due an own goal, it's been a while. I hope he appeals and is not be suspended. If he is it we be a case of players always scoring against their old teams.

I'm rather hoping that Reina won't be playing - surely even Thieverpool can't get that overturned.

[eastie]

Anyone know why the stoke game is a 5.30 kick off? I thought it must be on tv but neither sky or espn are showing the match so it seems a strange choice of kick off time.

[JUAN PABLO]

ESPN

[cheltenhamlion]

Not on TV. They play in the late game Saturday and have to have 48 hours between games.

[Vanilla]

Our fairytale writing for clubs and players in distress will see us rollover, and the press to laud Kenny as being the saviour at 'pool again.

I think we could actually win if we pushed them, but we will go there playing for a draw and give them so much space that people will think Downing is worth £20 million. 

[Mister E]

All I'd ask for is a team that is set up to play tight, aggressively and passionately.
For a team whose players are playing in their preferred position.
For a team that really believes it can grind out some points away from home.
For a team that plays to its strengths.
For a team that realises that the opposition are very much beatable.

We have lacked these characteristics throughout the season ...
Liverscouse are there for the taking but I don't believe we believe we can take them.

[ktvillan]

According to MOTD they have a worse record in 2012 than us, why can't we go there and play them off the park?

Because we Have a manager called McLeish when was the last time any of his teams played anyone off the park?

Because McLeish will see them as an "elite" team and has already surrendered.

[Walmley_Villa]

Unfortunately I can see Liverpool having too much for us and Carroll is bound to net just as Torres did. Think we need to concentrate on the Stoke game.

2-0 Liverpool (Downing and Carroll)

[midnite]

One of the "elites" of the league. I imagine we'll just roll over for this one. 3-0 defeat