Liverpool v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[VillaAlways]

has lawro predicted us to win any games at all this season? Got to be honest, i would take a draw

Yes 2 but he also predicted QPR to win 7! http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20715607 (see bottom)

He must be losing his touch. He has forgotten to include his obligatory line about how "Villa are a selling club."

Does it not occur to Lawro that they may be playing us at the wrong time .I'm sure they would have much preferred to have been playing us 2 months ago

[Simon Ward]

I've gone with the draw! 1-1.

[Quiet Lion]

Well I had stoke down for an easy win, and I though Norwich would beat us easily.

So I am going to go for a comfortable 2-0 win the the Bin Dippers

[Sexual Ealing]

I'm no fan of Lawrenson, haven't been since the Fred West business, but a Liverpool win is the obvious result to pick.

[eastie]

Bent will be put a few weeks, Vlaar still out and having another scan today and gabby doubtful.
The good news is Bennett and Stevens are both fit .

[rob_bridge]

Unsurprisingly, Lawro has gone for a 2-0 to Liverpool.

Aside from the obvious Scouse-arse licking, does he EVER predict an upset?

Yep he picked Everton win at Citeh a couple of weeks ago because and I quote 'every week there is an upset in the Premiership' Unfotunately that week it was Swansea who won at Arsenal

This contradicts his otherwise very predictable predictions - Liverpool v Big Club (1-1) anyone.

[supertom]

Liverpool have struggled a little. I do think Rodgers long term will do well given the chance and money to sculpt his own side and rid himself of dross like Downing. But I think at the moment they'll not fancy playing us, and I don't see us losing it. It'll be tight. I think we can sneak this one. Keep Saurez quiet and I think we'll win it. Benteke could well have a field day against their backline and I actually think Weimann (if he starts up top) could be the main beneficiary.

[Boz]

I'm going for a Villa win 2-1, don't know why, just have an optimistic feeling we might be on a bit of a roll 

[Dr_Fegg]

Heart says villa win, head says draw.

1-1 away from home and another point on the board would be a good result and maintain our momentum as the side continues to gel.

[Des Little]

Suarez 1-0

[Tom_Mc9?]

A stonking 1-0 win to Villa. Gabby.

[eastie]

Vlaar unlikely to be fit, gabby a doubt. Not sure about the left backs but I presume still out. Edit: q actually both left backs seem to be ok

Bennett and Stevens are both fit according to today's press conference on the official site.
Bent out for a few weeks, Vlaar having scan today and out and gabby very doubtful.

[Matt Collins]

Looking at it objectively, you'd have to think Liverpool are strong favourites. But I have a funny feeling N'Zogbia is going to come on for the last 20 minutes and make a significant difference.

Looking at the Liverpool side, Suarez apart, it's pretty ordinary. But better than ours still at the moment probably. I wonder if the 352 will give their full backs quite a lot of space to play with?

[hilts_coolerking]

A draw I reckon.  We don't quite have enough about us yet to win games like this but I don't think they will have enough to break down what is becoming a pretty effective defensive unit.

[Surrey Villain]

I think we could well see Downing played on the left to keep Lowton busy then Liverpool will concentrate on the right with Johnson and Sterling so Lichaj (presumably) is in for a busy afternoon.  He had an awful time at QPR against Wright-Phillips and Bosingwa so it could be Stevens or Bennett might start.  Gabby will not be missed on recent form and it will be good to see Weimann getting another chance with Benteke.