Match Preview: Liverpool v. Aston Villa, 12.18.11

By: Ed | December 16th, 2011

suarezcollins

Liverpool head back out on the road, visiting the West Midlands in search of their second consecutive win in league. Success away from Anfield has been easier to come by, with Kenny Dalglish’s squad winning more at opposition venues than they have at home. Alex McLeish’s squad are level on points with Norwich City in ninth and have earned eleven of their nineteen points at Villa Park despite losing two of their last three.

Common sense has it that teams are better at home than they are away, but it’s been largely more exciting to watch Liverpool anywhere but Anfield so far this season—victories at Arsenal, Everton, and Chelsea have been more inspiring than mostly narrow wins against Bolton, Wolves, and QPR. Consistency’s been the main struggle overall, but for whatever reason, away form has been far more impressive than anything they’ve been able to put together in front of their own supporters.

McLeish’s move across Birmingham during the summer took plenty of the headlines, and given that most expected an absolute disaster, his tenure thus far has been relatively successful. They started strong, unbeaten through their first six, only to stumble in a home date with Bolton in the League Cup towards the end of September. Up and down home form would follow, with wins over Wigan and Norwich offset by losses to West Brom and Manchester United.

Despite the losses of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young, McLeish came into a squad that was both experienced and fairly successful. He was boosted by the addition of Shay Given, but the Irish goalkeeper is still ruled out with a hamstring injury tomorrow, and American Brad Guzan is expected to step in. Gaby Agbonlahor will also miss out, serving his one-match ban, which means that Emile Heskey could pair with Darren Bent up top. More experience comes at the back, with Richard Dunne and James Collins providing stability in central defense, with former Liverpool man Stephen Warnock at left back and newcomer Alan Hutton on the right. Fabian Delph could make his return in a midfield that will likely also feature some combination of Stilyan Petrov, Chris Herd, Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton, and Charles N’Zogbia.

For Liverpool:

Who starts for Liverpool?

Reina
Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique
Henderson Adam
Downing Maxi
Suarez Carroll

—Steven Gerrard’s groin dong is slowly working its way back to health (or his ankle, which is less exciting), and there’s been no news about a return to health for Jack Robinson. Lucas is out long-term while recovering from his ACL tear and surgery, and Jay Spearing will serve the second of his three-match ban for the red card at Fulham. And if he’s not retired, Fabio Aurelio is probably hurt too.

—No reason to shake things up at the back, with a back four that’s been solid over the past two months. Jamie Carragher’s always in the discussion, but for now the pairing of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger is clearly first choice. It’s a similar story for Martin Kelly as it is for Carragher, as an injury or dip in form would probably lead to a spot in the starting eleven. For now Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique, who’s been the subject of increased focus lately, will occupy the fullback spots.

—There was plenty of concern about how Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam would partner against QPR last weekend, but they were a key component of Liverpool’s success through the middle in the 1-0 victory. I’d expect them both to start again, with either Dirk Kuyt or Stewart Downing taking up a flank opposite Maxi. With Henderson forced to the middle (unless Jonjo Shelvey and his wang work their way into the eleven), it comes down to two of the three listed, and for tomorrow I’m guessing the former Villa man gets the start.

—With the FA deciding that they wouldn’t actually be doing any deciding, Luis Suarez is free and fit to feature, and I’m going for a partnership with Andy Carroll. Dunne and Collins are one of the more physical central defensive pairings, and Carroll could do well to take up space that would free Suarez to do most of the running. Or vice versa, or not at all, and we’ll instead see a very fluid front five from Suarez, Craig Bellamy, Maxi, Kuyt, or Downing.

What’s the most important factor for the Reds?

There’s often a fair bit of hand-wringing to go along with matches away from Anfield, but as mentioned above, Liverpool has looked their sharpest on the road. Losses at Stoke and Tottenham earlier in the season belie that assertion, but five wins in five tries from October and November should give Kenny Dalglish’s squad plenty of confidence. Villa Park has seen tight results in both directions in recent years, with each of the last five results settled by a goal or less. If Liverpool can push on from their disappointing display at Fulham, they’d not only continue an impressive start to the season in terms of away form, but, depending on the result later in the day at the Etihad Stadium, have a chance to draw level on points with Arsenal in fifth.

We’re back to semi-easy viewing for all, with Sky Sports 1 televising the match in England and Fox Soccer Plus carrying coverage in the US. Complaints about the cost of FS+ for US viewers still apply, so streaming will be the main option for those not able to shell out the coin for one or two Liverpool matches per month. Delays aside, there’s been much more reliability with streams of late, and plenty of links will be available in the matchday thread. Those will be accompanied by the team sheets, which are released around an hour or so before kickoff.

Hope you’ve all enjoyed the weekend so far, and that tomorrow provides a nice way to start to wrap things up.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Team News

« Gerrard Set For Training, Suarezgate News, and Other Friday Notes | Home | Matchday: Liverpool v. Aston Villa »

nezi

please take out carrol from the starting 11. I cant bear seeing his name on the sheet... we all know what happens when carrol plays. Downig is a good player but he should be given a break for this one, its his old team and he might be affected psychologically... bellamy kuyt suarez and maxi.. the quartet that will put this game to bed
Tony

3-1.
Ryan

So, does Downing get booed by Aston Villa, or applauded?
purify_the_body

Personally, I'd like the same lineup as vs QPR last week. Due to injuries and form, the bench picks itself as well.

Three points is the overriding goal, of course, by any means necessary. In an ideal world Dirk and Downing would contribute a goal or assist to start things rolling again. And it's never a bad time for us to score from a corner (Carroll, minute 87, do it).

Aston Villa are a solid team and should not be taken lightly. We ought to play our strongest eleven and that means Carroll on the bench. If we are ahead in minute 70 or so when Maxi tires, take him off, move Kuyt back to the wing, and give the big galoot a chance to show what he can do. If we're behind or drawing, Bellamy should come on instead.
Suarez from the car park...

So, how about a fit Aurelio is our CDM from January?
Stranger things have happened.
Suarez from the car park...

Still not clear how we handle the midfield. Not in terms of who, but how.

Fulham had a good time in there and if we don't own it, we just give teams the opportunity of putting us under pressure.

whoever is in there, Adam plus one, have to work together to manage their players, not just run around in isolation.
Red2death

I have a feeling Adam plus one is not gonna cut it. We need to absolutely dominate, and for that we need numbers. That means a solid five across the park, linking up with Suarez up top with Maxi and Kuyt/Bellers making regular runs in to support - that's six fluid players working as a unit, pressuring high and attacking together. That also means quick passing, a focus on very good positioning, and no Andy Carroll - not just because of the temptation to hoof it to him, but also because he slows us down and is generally not on the same wavelength as the rest (yet).

At the back, it'll leave us slightly exposed, with Skrtel not looking forward to facing Darren Bent again. But I figure that'd be a problem anyway no matter how we play. The objective is to dominate, give them no time on the ball, and hopefully outscore. If we manage to build a cushioned lead, maybe we can sub in Wee Jay for the final mins.
Latortillablanca

why? its been working all season... our only problem has been finding the back of the net...
Red2death

Because all season that 'plus one' has been Lucas Leiva
brother jon

pairing jordan and Gaps is inviting half-stepping- of the should i stay, or should i go, kind. they'd both rather go but they both know the other can't actually tackle. so they're gonna be late in support or leaving gaps in the middle. and it's not their fault that they're counted on to do the thing they do least well. i don't get it. yeah, it didn't hurt us vs. qpr - i'd say that's more to do with qpr tho.

so maybe it is time for some shape shifting for LOL. i don't think we've got the squad for a 2man middle w/out Lucas, or Jay. not unless Coates gets a shout at cdm, i'd love to see him and Fabio get a run at it.
Tom Foolery

LOL. It explains so much more than three letters ever could.
Tom Foolery

And, I'm not talking about laughing.
Red2death

Tricky tie which I hope doesn't look so tricky anymore once the first half is over.

But if we end up putting in a shaky performance that leaves me anxious till the final whistle that we don't concede a last-minute equalizer, I guess that'll do too.

But really, Carroll Downing Kuyt Maxi Bellers and Luis to star in a 6-0 rout would do just fine.
nezi

take out carrol.. if Carrol plays its more likely going to be aston villa routing us.
ejbauer11

That chelsea tie renders a win tomorrow all the more imperative. Thanks for the post, Ed. Enjoy the game, wee lads and lasses. YNWA.
Ed

He lives!

But he's injured.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news...
Ryan

Fabio is injured?? Oh my god our season is over.
Tom Foolery

BREAKING NEWS: Fabio is still broken. That is all for now.
Suarez from the car park...

that's not really news now is it boys and girls?
Hadi365

Really excited about the match this weekend! especially that i've got tickets to see them......shames I'm going to be sitting with the home fans. :(

Come on Downing!!!
Suarez from the car park...

wear the scarf, out and loud.
jpr

(:))
NotTooXabi

"It Will Never Happen XI" brought to you by the FA Common Sense Committee.

         Kelly Skrtel Agger
Johnson                    Enrique
         Henderson Adam
      Jonjo     Maxi
         Suarez

The quandary that comes with "playing well" but "not finishing". Do you make a big change? Keep the faith? Tinker or persist?

I say Villa, with young, spry legs in the midfield but very little creativity up front, is perfect for a little 3-4-3 action. Pack the middle with some engine and technical ability and cut off the supply lines to Heskey and Bent. And then bring up what we have in goal-scorers. Jonjo, your LFC is calling. The boy is on a tear and deserves a shot. Why not? Between he and Maxi, we have our two on-form goal scorers playing with Suarez.

If it doesn't come off in the first 55 minutes or so, we know what we have to fall back on. A double swap of Kelly/Jonjo for 2 Midfielders gives us back our usual shape, where can grind out something or drive us to the brink with another Profligacy Puppet Show.
brother jon

i like the shape (and the idea), just not confident in hendo and adams as supply-cutters. i'd like it mo' better with Coates in for Charlie. (this is the IWNH XI, right?) a 6'5" cdm with air and ground skills? that's a supply-cutter.

yeah, we'd lose the 50yard crossfield bomb but gain the smart 10yard outlet. and with Seba alongside, i think hendo's freer to attack than he would be with Charlie.

also, Charlie (and Luis) could use a rest. the FA will prolly handle the 2nd one, Kenny, you got the 1st?
ejbauer11

I like bellers for jonjo but otherwise agree. Let's fuck 'em up, either way.
Latortillablanca

villa can be a difficult game for us from time to time cuz of that team speed, so, its good news that agbonlahor is out... nzogbia's not keepin anyone up at night, and albrighton looks like he's been goin through some growin pains tryin to pick up mcleish's system (which is hideous btw). i can also see andy gettin a start to go up against the brutes in the middle of that villa d. im through predicting scorelines until we break this spell of not scoring chances we create, but everything seems to point to a clean sheet victory...

CMON YOU REDS!!!!!
Ed

I guess the concern about Carroll against bigs in the middle is that it turns out like Fulham. Not in love with the idea of him starting ahead of Kuyt, but for whatever reason I feel like it's going to happen.
Latortillablanca

sure. although carroll's gonna have to start winning these like for like match ups. he's capable, and we've seen it before at newcstle.
purify_the_body

I also prefer Dirk, of course. That ball last week to play Maxi in was top class, not to mention the one-twos with Suarez.

You have two strikers out of form and your team needs goals desperately, which one do you play? One is an established international, club legend, and workaholic with nearly 100 caps for one of the best sides in the world and has appeared in the CL and World Cup finals. The other has less experience, quality, and his most famous moment is injuring himself falling off a barstool.

To choose Carroll is an insult, and poor managing to boot. But it's all about results in the end, so we'll have to wait and see.
Luis Suarez dentist

Could be a tricky one as Villa will put a lot of men behind the ball. Would like to see Bellamy get a start in place of Downing. Hoping that Suarez can pull off a bit of magic and we pick up a much needed 3 points.
Damu

OMG!!! You didn't insert the (). What next, Ferguson falling at the King's feet? :)
Luis Suarez dentist

As an early News years resolution i'm losing the ()

Obviously if Downing does score or assist I will take all the credit! :)
Ed

If the parentheses change to "Downing (xx goals, xx assists, all because of me)...", I'm fine with that.
Seanster

Its a friggin omen is what it is.
jpr

Aye.
Geza27

Downing to score a hat-trick - guaranteed.
DJ-Chutfield

Downing to score 3 and set up 3 - guaran-muthafuckin-TEED!
jpr

(:))
Suarez from the car park...

Is that a bald headed man with a double chin?
jpr

Something like that. Ask LSD.
Ed

PARENTHETICAL SMILEY FACE
DJ-Chutfield

UNNECESSARILY LOUD EXPLANATION
Tom Foolery

LSD
DJ-Chutfield

Let's make it another 5-0 at Villa Park, boys!
Geza27

Wouldn't mind that but I'd settle with 1-0
purify_the_body

I'd take 10-9 if we get the 3 pts, lol