Liverpool v Aston Villa pre-match thread

[rob_bridge]

Funny reading on RAWK, they think the officials screw them over

Well bearing in mind all things being equal they should have been down to 9 men last week, not sure they have much to complain about.

[Nev]

Putting the Newcastle aberration to one side, this is the first benchmark fixture this season to see where we are. I believe we are more than capable of getting a win up there. There are a couple of flies in the ointment though, the clear and obvious bias from the officials and the possible presence of Olsen in goal. Given one, or even both of those will have an influence I shall be cautious in my prediction.

1-1

[Risso]

Need to give a good account of ourselves after the Newcastle result, or we'll be accused of being flat track bullies.

[manic-road]

Always a tough game but happy that Van Dijk is suspended as defence is Liverpools weak point, with Bailey getting 90 minutes last night I wouldn't be surprised to see Zaniola start.

1-1

[Monty]

Problem is, I'm excited for this game now. Which is a sure-fire sign that we are utterly, utterly doomed.

[OCD]

Always a tough game but happy that Van Dijk is suspended as defence is Liverpools weak point, with Bailey getting 90 minutes last night I wouldn't be surprised to see Zaniola start.

1-1

I wouldn't be surprised if we lined up closer to how we did at Burnley.

[brontebilly]

Putting the Newcastle aberration to one side, this is the first benchmark fixture this season to see where we are. I believe we are more than capable of getting a win up there. There are a couple of flies in the ointment though, the clear and obvious bias from the officials and the possible presence of Olsen in goal. Given one, or even both of those will have an influence I shall be cautious in my prediction.

1-1

Agreed, this is the proper test. Can't help feeling Everton and Burnley are two very weak PL teams currently, granted you can only beat what's in front of you and we did that comfortably. Thought Liverpool were impressive with 10 men at Newcastle, sure they rode their luck at times but their new midfielder Szoboszlai looks an excellent addition in midfield, technically good and very athletic. Nunez will surely start too after his goals. I'm not sure VVD is all that much of a loss these days, though he may well be if Joe Gomes plays as Watkins always does well against him. TAA is still as rubbish as ever defensively.

Interesting team selection, Emery made a big mistake with front 3 at Newcastle so expect it will be Diaby and Watkins. Same team as v Burnley I suspect and similar tactics. Just with McGinn tucking in on left, TAA could cause us huge problems. Likely to be a big test for Digne too. Torres worries me, got caught horribly for the Burnley goal and flat footed twice in Burnley and Everton games but wasn't punished. Liverpool's forwards are a different class so he will need to up his game. Badly need Martinez back.

[Drummond]

Funny reading on RAWK, they think the officials screw them over

Every club is the same. The issue is what benchmark fans are coming from. If you're Liverpool or ManU, then you start from a position where you get most decisions at home at least. If then you don't get everything you want, you will feel hard done by. The wankers.

[VillaTim]

Liverpool i fear will expose the high line with their pace . 3-1 loss

[pauliewalnuts]

I think we are becoming a very good side, but I do think recently we've shown the odd defensive lapse, which we have got away with (since Newcastle, obvs), and I am concerned Liverpool will take any such chances.

[Risso]

I think we are becoming a very good side, but I do think recently we've shown the odd defensive lapse, which we have got away with (since Newcastle, obvs), and I am concerned Liverpool will take any such chances.

I'm interested to see how Torres does in this one. He's a great passer of the ball, but the one time he came under a bit of defensive pressure against Burnley he looked decidedly iffy.

[Villa Lew]

Hearing the breaking news that Liverpool have rejected a £150m bid for Salah from the Saudis, hopefully he will now decide to go on strike!

[AV84]

Would the Saudi team have to have had some kind of encouragement from Salah himself to be bidding like that to the club?

[Toronto Villa]

Saved Olsen!

I sincerely hope Olsen is playing at Anfield this weekend

I'd prefer Martinez but there you go.

Fucking hell. Here I was trying to be a smart arse and even fucked that up. What a ‘mare I’ve had of late.

[paul_e]

Would the Saudi team have to have had some kind of encouragement from Salah himself to be bidding like that to the club?

You'd have to think so, and there window doesn't close tonight so this one could rumble on for a while yet, and may be rather disruptive.