Match: Aston Villa v Liverpool
Date: 31th March 2013
Time: 13:30
Competition: Premier League
Form: Aston Villa - WWLLW Liverpool - LWWWL
Last Meeting: Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa
Both teams and managers have young squads, are going through transitional periods and won't be happy with the season overall so far. Aston Villa would have been wanting a season safe from a dog fight at the bottom but the inexperience of the squad and a reliance on one player means they sit just above the drop zone in 17th just 3 points above the drop zone but did hit some form ahead of the International break. They won two relegation six pointers against Reading and QPR but this game will be a lot bigger of a test. The key to winning is as always, Benteke. Carragher might be able to keep hold of him for this game and he should be starting but if Skrtel is in defence again, there could be an opportunity for Villa. Of course, the likes of Johnson had a poor game against Southampton and his confidence might be down after England's draw against Montenegro. There are areas Villa can target but their defence could be suspect up against Suarez, Sturridge, Downing and Coutinho. They should be looking for 3 points though.
Liverpool probably didn't want an international break after the defeat against Southampton. The match was a blow after 3 straight wins. I don't expect a line-up any different to: Reina, Johnson, Carra, Agger, Enrique, Lucas, Gerrard, Coutinho, Downing, Suarez and Sturridge. Seems to be the best line-up at the moment and hopefully there can be some momentum until the end of the season. I think European Football and a good run in it next season is a must to keep hold of Suarez. I wouldn't blame him if he left, it just seems they're aren't many player out there like him, I think he'll stay for another season though. The goal now is 6th, which I think gets Europa League football. But it's best to try finish as high in the table as possible, the rest of the games this season are winnable but the LFC of recent years will make hard work of it, as usual. Let's just hope we can get 6th at least.
Tough game to call but I think LFC should win it. Although a draw seems likely.
Aston Villa v Liverpool Preview
posted on 27/3/13
LFC (on paper) should win but i think Villa will feel theyll have more to lose and therefore have more of a fight. Suarez will fancy himself against their defence - so basically no idea which way it'll go! You might be right it'll probably be a score draw
posted on 28/3/13
They gave us a bit of shock and a hell of a rough ride at Anfield. It was a real set back after a couple of good results and the reaction of some fans showed the frustration felt.
Personally I think the team will want to settle the score and I think we'll really get about them. Villa will scrap, no doubt about it, and we'll have to play Benteke much better than before but I am confident going into this game. I'm going for a 2 or 3 goal margin.
posted on 28/3/13
I think this will be a game for attackers where both defenses won't be able to cope with the other teams attackers. I'm gonna go for a high scoring draw or one team (not sure which) to nick it. Ither 2-2 or 3-2.
posted on 28/3/13
I believe only 5 th gets a Europa league spot this season, with Wigan playing Blackburn in the FA Cup semi final.