Pre-Match Thread: Liverpool V Aston Villa

Been hearing some really negative feedback from his training and fitness levels. Apparently hes not near up to expected work rate. Did look like he was running through mud when he came on against City or Saints.

From who?

From who?

It was mentioned on this weeks TAW podcast (brilliant by the way). Think Graham Kelly said it and he is a very good source.

It was mentioned on this weeks TAW podcast (brilliant by the way). Think Graham Kelly said it and he is a very good source.

Actually it could have been on this weeks Anfield Index Podcast.

He played like 20 odd mins but still he is back what on Thursday morning or something? Markovic, Sterling, Hendo, Allen all played 90 mins. Borini and Lallana off Mario wouldn't be a bad choice either but neither has played any competitive football so far. Will be fascinating to see who BR puts in the starting 11

Oh, just read Emre Can also played in an U21s game against Romania. Apparently the guy had 3 assists and absolutely bossed the midfield. Good signs

Yeah will be interesting to see who plays and how we set up with the games coming thick and fast now mate.

Going to be at this one. We have won every game I have been at...

Pretty much agree with Clints line up in the OP.

Would like to see Lallana get a start here (or at least meaningful minutes as a sub).

First XI is anyones guess with Sturridge injured
Looks like 2 places up for grabs between Lallana, Allen, Coutinho and Markovic

I seem to remember the last 2 seasons Villa came here, they totally dominated the midfield and if I remember correctly we only really played 2 central midfielders so I would perhaps edge towards 4-3-3, Balotelli up top with Sterling and Markovic drifting behind, and either Cout or Lallana part of the midfield 3 alongside Henderson. Also any word on Skrtel's injury update?

                                            Mignolet
                           Manquillo  Lovren  Sakho  Moreno
                                            Gerrard
                                    Henderson   Lallana
                                Markovic            Sterling
                                            Balotelli

Jones; Toure, Enrique; Allen, Can, Coutinho; Lambert

Always a tough game against these, but 3 points is all that matters I think. A tight 2-1 win I'm going for, Balotelli and Henderson

I 100% want to see the little Brazilian magician play. I think this is his chance to show everyone again just how good he really is. I can't wait for this game!!!!!!

I hate international games break because on injuries and the passion of football is lost. I want that spark

I would love to see cou start this one, villa play on counter and that will leave space for cou to perform. Whenever he has some elbow room to roam, he does well.

Just hope the boss is thinking in the same lines as me, always thought cou is gonna be something special this season.

Coutinho was playing for Brazil last night so not sure if he will be ready to play on Saturday bearing in mind when his transatlantic flight lands in Blighty.

Definitely wouldn't start Coutinho, the poor lad can't get through a full game when he's at peak fitness as it is.

Lallana/Can is the toss up in midfield and the rest picks itself.

I just noticed that I was given a the title. Yessss I'm delighted.

                                          Migs

Manquillo           Lovren     Sakho            Moreno

       
                                       Gerrard

              Henderson                     Lallana

    Sterling                   Balotelli                Markovic

That's the team I'd start with, hopefully by 60 minutes we have a lead and can take Henderson and Lallana off and bring on Allen and Can. To help maintain their fitness for the next game.

Maybe get Gerrard off at some point and end the game with a 4-4-2.

Sterling      Can     Allen     Markovic

              Lambert       Balotelli

                                Mignolet

Manquillo           Lovren     Sakho            Moreno

                              Gerrard

           Henderson               Lallana

                         Coutinho

               Balloteli     Stirling

If Sturridge is fit I would drop Coutinho and play Sterling at the tip of the diamond.

I think if our defence can contain them for the first 20/30 mins we can win this one comfortably. 2-0 Balotelli and Sterling

Poll added kids.

Poll added kids.

Thanks, Mum. 

Gone for a 3-1. Balls to the last 2 clashes at Anfield this is a new season with an improved squad of players who should overturn this lot

Should be completely different this time round, well here's hoping anyway!  Last time Agbonlahor ran rings around Glen and if I am right it was Stevie's first game in his new role. Well 12 months later we know exactly how Villa are going to play at Stevie will be ready for Wieman, Manqillo should be quick enough for Gabby and Moreno will keep their other full back fully occupied.
No Benteke as well as Vlaar should be a easy 3 pts but as we know there is no easy points but as long as we don't drop any defensive changers I'm fairly confident before the mighty challenge on Tuesday......... 

Thanks, Mum. 

Feeling good about this game. Villa won't do us again with the player options we have now. Previously, as against other sides, if we went behind, we didn't have a bench to make much improvement. Now it's different. We gotta better first 11, even without studge, and we got a bench which can change games, giving us different options without weakening the side.
I'm going for 3 - 1. as we've got a lot more pace and ability at the back now. Villa won't get behind us like they have in the past.

Should be completely different this time round, well here's hoping anyway!  Last time Agbonlahor ran rings around Glen and if I am right it was Stevie's first game in his new role. Well 12 months later we know exactly how Villa are going to play at Stevie will be ready for Wieman, Manqillo should be quick enough for Gabby and Moreno will keep their other full back fully occupied.
No Benteke as well as Vlaar should be a easy 3 pts but as we know there is no easy points but as long as we don't drop any defensive changers I'm fairly confident before the mighty challenge on Tuesday......... 

That is right.

This was the first game in which Rodgers tweaked the tactics which would see us go on that winning run. Since it was the first match, there were obvious teething problems. By now, most players are well regimented in their roles that its second nature to them now.

Attack from the start, and be 4 up at half time.