Aston Villa fan Opposition View Q+A's ahead of clash at Anfield

As many of people will no from my earlier post in the season.I am a villa fan and work for AstonVillaToday our regular feature is called Opposition View.  Below are a list of questions if fans would like to participate then much appreciate, I will give you guys all credit and thanks in advance.  I will just keep questions to Saturday's game only and a comparison to last game.

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?
2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?
3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?
4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?
5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?
6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.
7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?
8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?
9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season
10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?
11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?
12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?
13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?

I will publish the posts on my website following the thread contributions at http://astonvillatoday.wordpress.com

I've a question for you.
Our 4-1 win in the reserve game was heavily influenced by your best youth being brought in at first team level.
Who do you think will feature?
How will they influence the game?

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?  -  Neither team is having a great time in front of net this season, so I will say 1-0.  Not sure which team I think will win this though....
2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?  -  I think we will finish 7th, just behind Newcastle.  I think Chelsea will push Arsenal and Spurs for the 4th CL spot, but will fall just short. 
3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?  -  Our inability to hit the net has been the big problem all season, but that has now been highlighted more by our defensive frailties since Agger and Johnson have been injured. 
4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?  -  Yes, I think so. Again, I think this will be a tight, cagey game, and I think the team who scores first will hold on to win it.
5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?  -  We certainly did not spend 100M last summer!  That may have been the total outlay between January (Suarez & Carrol) and the summer, but we also recouped roughly 56M from the sales of Babel and Torres, as well as roughly 15M for Meireles and a few quid here and there for some of our other player sales.  The media would love to have you believe that we actually had a net spend of 100M though!!
6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.  I am probably one of the few on this board who likes Ireland as a player.  He is good on the ball and creative in attack, which is something that we lack outside of Suarez and Gerrard.  I think he could do a job on the wing for us cutting in and linking with Suarez & Stevie.
7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?  -  Absolutely.  I think we approached the season looking to win everything we could, but after the loss against Arsenal the league results became a bit inconsequential as we already have a place in Europe guaranteed due to our Carling Cup win.
8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?  -  Like all clubs, it all depends on how wisely we conduct our summer transfer dealings.  Look at what Newcastle have done!!
9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season?  -  I think he will, but I think Villa should be higher up the table than they are now.  I would look for a new manager over the summer, as I don't think McLeish will ever guide you to a top 8 finish in the Prem.
10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?  -  A dominant CB and a deep lying midfield creator.  You have loads of talent and pace up front and on the wings with Bent, Agbonlahor, Albrighton, N'zog, and Ireland, but you are missing someone in the middle who can really dictate the tempo and pace of a game and you could use a dominant CB to anchor your defense. 
11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?  -  Wigan, Wolves, and QPR.  I think that Wigan and Wolves are doomed for the drop, and I have to say QPR because I can't ever remember a time when all 3 newly promoted sides actually stayed up and Norwich and Swansea are surely staying up!!
12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?  -  I think there will be a strong showing.  LFC have the most loyal fan base in the world!!
13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?  -  Yes.  We won that game by scoring on set plays, which is something that almost never happens for us!!  I highly doubt that we will score on a set play this game, so if we are going to win it we will have to nick a goal from open play which we have struggled mightily to do as of late!

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?

2-0. It's about time our lot put in a performance and I think after the shambles at Newcastle last week we'll be bang up for this one.

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?

Above Everton must be the aim but if we can put a little run together then who knows, maybe we can get close to Newcastle.
 
3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?

Injuries have been a massive factor for us. We never really looked the same after the loss of Lucas and then injuries to two of our first choice back four have really hurt us.

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?

I think any team playing Liverpool right now will believe they can get something and that's completely understandable. But having watched Villa in recent weeks, I have to say it will need another truly shocking Liverpool performance for Villa to get anything on Saturday. Wigan were playing some nice stuff before coming here but I haven't seen that from Villa lately.

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?

Yes, if he remains manager (which he should do) then he will get money to spend. We've only had a net spend of around £10m per transfer window so hopefully there's a nice amount of money to spend. I do think overspending on British talent will be a no go though!

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.

Never rated Ireland to be honest, he's certainly gone downhill since he was a starter with City. Don't think we'll be after him this summer.

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?

Without a doubt. Trophies are always bigger than fourth but I definitely think it's even bigger now when you look at our league position. A lot hinges on Everton in 9 days time.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?

Depends on our summer recruitment, hold on to the key players and bring four in (two wingers, a midfielder and a poacher) and I think we can start to climb the table.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season

Yes. Just.

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?

A few signings for sure, and a change in management. Don't really rate McLeish at all.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?

Wolves - shocking decision to sack McCarthy and get someone unproven in. They look completely lost.
QPR - a couple of good wins against good teams but I just don't see them winning enough games until the end of the season to stay up.
Blackburn - they've improved of late but I just think Wigan know how to do the job at the back end of the season and Bolton are playing better now so I think they'll go down.

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?

A good one, the atmosphere will probably be shocking but we'll be out in numbers.

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?

We'll definitely be short on confidence compared to the last game. You saw how our heads dropped after Cisse scored the first on Sunday.

1. Probably a draw but surely our misfortune will end. 2-0 Liverpool.
2. Anywhere between 7th and 12th.
3. Injuries, poor finishing, poor players and lack of fight
4. With our current form, without a doubt!
5. Hopefully but please no more over-hyped British flops
6. Wouldn't welcome him. I'm Irish. He refuses to wear the shirt. Hes hassle we don't need
7. The players seem to raise themselves for the cups and not the league. Thats small club mentality. Then again many of our signings came from smaller clubs.
8. If we spend big and correctly.
9. Yes
10. Sign good players and make them excellent without selling
11. Wolves (six points adrift and don't see that changing)
       Wigan  (poor side who don't deserve to be a Premier League club)
      QPR  (worse than Blackburn and Bolton)
12. Full house as usual
13. The difference is Liverpool are shot of confidence

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?
1-0

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?
Target ? Above The Bitters in Blue.   (How far have we fallen to say that as our marker)

3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?
    Yes  Saving themselves the naughty boys for playing in the Cup and Glory.

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?
Doni is a good goalie.  Every sympathy but no.

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?
Yes. Providing he jettisons dead wood and mistakes.

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.
Thats 2009 news.

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?
Not until it became impossible for the CL places. Now it is.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reckoned WITH next season?
We are always a force to be reckoned with. Look at our record against say ...  The Villa.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season.
5 points clear of the bottom three.   Yes you can do it. You've had a mega injury list.

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?
Spend more money.
Buying Bent was an overpriced but brilliant move and kept you up but one player doesn't make a summer. If you continue to do the things you are doing you will continue to get the results you are getting.
Some of your youngsters are good.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?
The three there now. Wolves Wigan and Blackburn.      Rangers will slip out of danger but be back there next season.
If you win your game in hand you will be level with our former glorious leader   Wonder Woy !

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?
No idea.

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?
Square ball and Billy growing marijuana in his attic.  Its football innit.

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I've a question for you.
Our 4-1 win in the reserve game was heavily influenced by your best youth being brought in at first team level.
Who do you think will feature?
How will they influence the game?

i agree dude, too many hopes pinned on gardner looks out of depth in first team, amc is dammed if he dont include and dammed if he does.

I think its gonna be Given,Warnock,Baker,Collins,Lichaj, Albrighton,Ireland,Herd,Heskey with Gabby up front.

Ireland is keen for us for creative minded, gabby will be insolated if amc goes 451, maybe swap heskey for bannan. would love to see herd in petrov role and ireland to sit in behind striker and attacked from the wings and around the back4.  Nathan Baker a shadow of his youngself grown so much

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?

2-1 Liverpool

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?

We'll probably trundle into 7th, Newcastle and above are too far away to catch and Everton aren't a threat

3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?

There's a real anxiety around us this year, the thought of tarnishing Kenny's legacy at Liverpool is unthinkable but reality is the younger fans don't have the same ties to him as the older generations so everything is questioned - players, Kenny, Comolli, owners, stadium, finance... when results disappear a vicious cycle ensues.

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock surprise?

With our consistently inconsistent form anything is possible on Saturday, we could win 4-0 or lose 2-0, although I do see a narrow home victory on the cards. Hopefully.

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?

Rumours are we won't although I imagine the outgoing players whoever they are will dictate what's brought in, the buying British policy hasn't been a success so possibly a change in approach would be beneficial.

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.

A good mate of mine supports the Villa and was over the moon when Ireland came in, now he loathes the site of him. Initially it seemed attittude was the issue, now, in a similar vein to Carroll, Henderson and Adam, the train of thought is the problem is incapability at Premiership level.

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?

Undoubtedly, although cups are nice they do smack of a distraction from our goal year -  minimum 4th spot.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?

We've said it every year since Houllier left so being realistic - if we get 4th it'll be an achievement. We're still amongst the better teams in the league, probably 5th or 6th best I think but our position is definitely under threat.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season

Yes, again undoubtedly, Villa are an institution in the Premier league and will be there next season

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?

Investment, admittedly I'm not an avid follower of other clubs but the players I know of being brought in give the impression of bargain basement buys in terms of quality and or price.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?

Wigan - they've clung on all year
Wolves - sacking McCarthy for Connor was a ridiculous decision, plus motor mouth Steve Morgan and the pollution that is Purslow deserve relegation
QPR - despite beating us and Arsenal, show piece wins aren't going to keep them up and they lose points to teams around them regularly

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?

Still 40000+ as per, support hasn't flaked...yet :-/

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?

Very little, we'll be slghtly edgier but should win.

Peace out.

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?

2-0. But if Villa score first then who knows?

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?

7th
 
3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?

We now have a young squad who have put two very good cup runs together. Tiredness from fixture congestion and a premature sense of achievement from the Carling Cup seem to be hitting us.

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?

Anfield is not the fortress it once was. As i said earlier if Villa score first then who knows where the game will go?

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?

Yes, everyone is aware this is a transitional period for the club so chopping and changing is inevitable and necessary.

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.

No. I can't see where he'd fit. Gerrard, Adam, Shelvey, Henderson (maybe even Joe Cole) are all there, I can't see what Ireland has that the aforementioned don't?

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?

Definitely. It's the only reason we have european football next year and it is our only chance to end the season on a high.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?

I think we will be stronger and more consistent but a force? Not yet in my opinion.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season

Yes.

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?

Ask Newcastle. Effective signings, a Demba Ba as opposed to an Aguero.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?

Wolves, Wigan and QPR. Just not good enough. Blackburn seem to be turning a corner. Bolton are fighters and they'll scrap their way to safety.

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?

Full house, or close enough.

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?

Much tighter game. We could have run away with that match but (as usual) just didn't have the finishing boots on. This time around their will be more tension in the play of both teams.

Patience needed with Gardner.
Albrighton not in as much form for you lot this season.

Patience needed with Gardner.
Albrighton not in as much form for you lot this season.

N'Zogbia not showing the form he showed for Wigan either.

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?
1-0 to the Redmen. Early goal could be key though, we often start very brightly but lack that finishing touch, then we eventually let sides creep back into the game.

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?
Seventh

3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?
Bad luck in front of goal. We've also sorely missed Lucas, Johnson and Agger of late too. So injuries to key player could be another

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?
Doni is an experienced goalie, he'll be able to hold his own. As for Petrov (best wishes to him and his family) I can't see you doing it, maybe that's me with my tinted specs on though. Let's wait till Saturday to see though.

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?
Question should be Damien Comolli not Kenny, as Comolli handles the fees. Now answering the question, I don't see any reason why not.

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.
Don't see how he'd fit in with our current squad, as we have a few young players who can play in his position, the signing of him would just stall their growth in my opinion. He's looked quite good for you recently though.

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?
No I do not. Apart from our last few games we were terribly unlucky in the league, losing and drawing games which we dominated. That doesn't seem to have happened in the cups.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?
Depends on what happens in the transfer market, not just to ourselves but to our rivals.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season
Yes.

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?
Force McLeish to change his tactics to a more attacking style. Be smart in the transfer market i.e. Newcastle but, that's easier said than done.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?
Wolves, since the change in manger, they've gone from terrible to woeful. Wigan, I'd like them to stay up though, they're quite unlucky and as it seems Blackburn and Bolton have got a bit of form I can't see Martinez doing it again. QPR, despite their recent 6 points out of 9 (I think) their fixture list just looks too difficult for them to stay up.

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?
The usual, full house.

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?
Could have been a cricket score that day. This time I can imagine a bit of tension, both sides are missing key players and we are on bad form.

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday?

2-1 Liverpool.

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League?

7th.

3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters?

Missed chances, injuries and overpaid British primadonnas.

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise?

Anyone can beat us at the moment so yeah.

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent last summer?

Definitely, we all deserve a second chance.

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad.

No, need better quality players and don't like his attitude.

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority?

Yes.

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season?

I personally believe so.

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season

Yes.

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago?

Better squad and manager.

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why?

Wolves- No confidence left in the team anymore.

QPR- sh*t team and dire away from home.

Wigan- Poor all season and don't think they'll do it.

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday?

Haven't a clue.

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what?

Our team have gotten worse

1.  1-1
2. 9th
3. Not finishing chances due to not having a quality finisher
4.  Of Course i wouldnt call Villa beating Liverpool a surprise at this stage of the season
5.  Yes he will but it will be his last chance to prove his spending
6.  NO where
7.  Deffo
8.  Always
9. Yes
10.Better Fans
11. Wigan and Blackburn- Not enough quality and Wolves- IDK why they have an ok squad
12. Not sure
13. Yes because we are pissed off.

1.  What will be the score be on Saturday? 2-1 to us

2.  The Carling Cup success curse appears to have hit Liverpool FC, where do you believe Liverpool can finish in the League? 7th

3.  Liverpool have lost momentum of late is their any underlining matters? We lack clinical goal scorer, too many underperforming

4.  With Jose Reina suspended and Aston Villa playing for Petrov, can they provide a shock suprise? Yes

5.  Summer transfer window is creeping around the corner,will King Kenny be allowed to spend this window following £100m spent  last              summer? Maybe 25-30m available with a prolific scorer priority

6.  I keep hearing that Liverpool are interested in Stephen Ireland would you welcome him at your club where would see him fitting into the squad. No, we've got enough players with a lazy attitude

7.  As you have lost ground of the top4 do you think Domestic Cups became this season priority? Since January, Yes

8.  Will Liverpool be a force to reconned next season? What have we got without faith?

9.  Do you think Alex McLeish will keep Villa up this season? Just about

10.What do you think that Aston Villa need to remerit they efforts of three seasons ago? Couple of astute signings

11. What three clubs will be relegated from Prem League and why? Wolves, QPR and Wigan

12. What is the attendence likely to be on Saturday? 44,200

13. Will there be any difference between Liverpool vs Villa from the game back in December, if so what? Both clubs are in poor form so I expect a nervous atmosphere at the game

just to say thank you for participation, i have posted the questions on my site at http://astonvillatoday.wordpress.com