Pre-Match: Villa v Liverpool (Villa Park 31.8.08) 16:00 KO

[dunlop liddell shankly]

Well now the majority of us have mellowed after last nights shameful performance we can start to look forward again. Our next game is away to Aston Villa who can cause us a few a problems, mainly from set pieces. They've got a lot of pace in Agbonglahor and Young which may cause our full backs problems. John Carew's height will certainly cause us trouble because of the way we defend at times, especially set pieces. We all know what's gone on between the two clubs this year over the transfer of Gareth Barry which should add some extra spice this Sunday.

We're obviously without Steven Gerrard but Javier Mascherano should be returning. I'm not a fan of "rotating" but I think we need three maybe four changes just to liven ourselves up. The two wide men need to be dropped, hopefully for El Zhar and Babel. Alonso is in danger of losing his place, probably for Lucas/Plessis. I wouldn't be surprised Dossena return and I know there's a quite a few who'd like to see Arbeloa dropped as well. Whole sale changes may be required because we can't constantly play the same players with the thought of "they'll play themselves into form" We've gotta be harsh and say you're not playing well enough so sod off onto the bench. Robbie Keane could be put that category as well.

I've gone for a 2-1 win for Liverpool and whole heartedly believe we can do it. We're better than Aston Villa and need to show it. Although performances haven't been anywhere near good enough, I'm not looking for a "Liverpool of old" performance at Villa Park, only because it's the international break after the game. I don't want our players finding form then having to sod off for two weeks.

MY side would be Reina, Arebloa, Skrtel, Carra, Insua, El Zhar, Xabi, Masch, Babel, Keane, Torres.

[mmdalglish]

NOT REALLY SURE BABEL IS THE ANSWER .I NO HE SET UP GOAL LAST NIGHT BUT DID LITTLE ELSE

[mmdalglish]

WHY ARN'T WE PLAYING FINNAN... IS HE INJURED?

[mmdalglish]

ASTON VILLA 0 V LIVERPOOL 2

[lil cisse]

                      Reina

Arbeloa  Carragher Skrtel  Aurelio

               Masch  Lucas

El Zhar          Alonso         Babel

                   Torres

[adammac]

                      Reina

Arbeloa  Carragher Skrtel  Aurelio

               Masch  Lucas

El Zhar          Alonso         Babel

                   Torres

I would switch Alonso and Lucas positions, Lucas is a lot better playing in his natural position allowing him to make runs into the box and attack like Gerrard does. Other than that you team would be one I would like to see

[Istvan Kozma]

                      Reina

Arbeloa  Carragher Skrtel  Aurelio

               Masch  Lucas

El Zhar          Alonso         Babel

                   Torres

                      Reina

Carragher     Skrtel   Agger      Aurelio

                    Mascherano

        Kuyt        Alonso       Babel

                              Keane
                    Torres

I'd definitely put Mascherano straight back in, but I doubt that Rafa will due to his involvement in the Olympics, but he's been playing competetive football so I don't see the problem... I'd also put Carra right back, and bring Agger in to partner Skrtel.  All three are decent in the air and can combat the likes of Laursen and Carew on the set pieces where I think Villa will be most dangerous.  Arbeloa isn't physical enough for me in these situations, and due to the preferred zonal marking system I think we need more of a physical edge.  Also, Carragher has shown that he can get crosses into the box so with Finnan seemingly out of the picture I'd go with Carra ahead of Arbeloa.  Aurelio should keep his place ahead of Dossena as well in my opinion but I think Rafa will probably throw Dossena back in.

I know that most are against Kuyt at the moment, but I'd pick him every time ahead of Pennant!  However, I think Carra (if right back) should be encouraged to push forward and get crosses into the box, and maybe El Zhar should be given 30 minutes in place of Kuyt in the 2nd half.

[smigger15]

I would switch Alonso and Lucas positions, Lucas is a lot better playing in his natural position allowing him to make runs into the box and attack like Gerrard does. Other than that you team would be one I would like to see

Agree with Adam, another reason to swap them is the further back Xabi is, the more likely he is to score   

[lil cisse]

Agree with Adam, another reason to swap them is the further back Xabi is, the more likely he is to score   

Quite the opposite actually smiggs, case in point, Pre season. His best role is further forward, in the games he played there he was our best player and was the same in the euros, hes better further up pulling the strings. Lucas was fantastic further back in the olympics, its not his better role but xabi is better in the attacking role than him.

[dunlop liddell shankly]

I think there's one massive problem with having Alonso/Lucas just off Torres, neither have the required pace to get up there quickly or run ahead of him. In pre-season Alonso was playing behind two front men a lot of the time. I think to play that role affectively you need that bit of pace to break into the box and support Torres.

[Brian78]

Id actually drop a few lads to give them a kick up the arse. 4 games on the bounce weve been sh*te and 8 players have started all 4 of those games. Id recall Finnan but then again he isnt match fit as he got hardly any football pre season. 4-2-3-1 for me

REINA

CARRA SKRTEL AGGER DOSSENA
   
         MASCH ALONSO

EL ZAHR     LUCAS          NGOG

              TORRES

El Zahr deserves a start and I think NGog could be dangerous. I think Lucas in the role Gerrard played last season could be effective while Alonso should have the bit betwen his teeth going up against Barry. I would have gone with Babel only he looked like he couldnt be arsed last night

[lil cisse]

By the way guys if anyone wants to see exactly what we will be up against, Villas second leg of their uefa cup game is on at 7:30 on five.

[bartman49]

I think with Gerrard out I'd like to see Lucas in the cenrte withAlonso & Mascha in front of back four who I hope are the same as last night, El Zahr on the right Babel on the left, the front two will click and as it's a prem game I hope Robbie Keene is left to do what he's good at and score some goals......

[lil cisse]

According to a villa fan I speak to Keane always scores against them.

[vydex]

I would go 4-2-3-1 like much of last season

           Pepe
Arbeloa Hyppia Agger Aurelio
     Masch Alonso
          Keane
          Torres

[mmdalglish]

Id actually drop a few lads to give them a kick up the arse. 4 games on the bounce weve been sh*te and 8 players have started all 4 of those games. Id recall Finnan but then again he isnt match fit as he got hardly any football pre season. 4-2-3-1 for me

REINA
agree with you completely  why isn't ngog given a chance he as look promising & dangerous
CARRA SKRTEL AGGER DOSSENA
  
         MASCH ALONSO

EL ZAHR     LUCAS          NGOG

              TORRES

El Zahr deserves a start and I think NGog could be dangerous. I think Lucas in the role Gerrard played last season could be effective while Alonso should have the bit betwen his teeth going up against Barry. I would have gone with Babel only he looked like he couldnt be arsed last night

[mmdalglish]

spot on about babel last night

[Semple]

why not have babel on the right and el zhar on the left?? Something tells me that El Zhar will not be playing even though he deserves to be

[7-King Kenny-7]

I hope El Zhar gets a longer run out, he has come on 3 times now and everytime we have gone on to win so maybe if he starts we will actually get a goal before half time

[u1m81]

does anyone think that villa have been holding back on the tx of barry for this game. maybe things will go thru after this???