Aston Villa have started this season exceptionally well. They beat Arsenal on day one, and should have gotten at least a point from the Chelsea game. Both matches were away as well. So this being their first home game, their confidence would be exceptionally buoyed after two great away performances against clubs nine out of ten pundits believe would finish the season in the top five. And their third match is against Liverpool. (Aston Villa are playing three tough matches in a seven day period and David Moyes believes he has been given a rough start of the season?
Liverpool are arriving after a dominant performance against Stoke, but with only one goal in the bag so far. This is going to be a stern test. Christian Benteke bullied our defenders last season and will be looking to do the same. In response, we have not been able to produce the marquee signing that we want to happen, with Willian looking to prefer life in London. But I believe the real threat is not Benteke, but his supply line. Specifically Gabby Agbonlahor. He was behind two of the three goals against Arsenal and he set up Benteke’s goal against Chelsea.
So how do we beat them…?
The best form of defence is attack. Attackingly, they look a real threat, but their defence has not come across as being to stable. There were numerous defensive miscommunications against the gunners and a few against Chelsea as well. These frailties we could take advantage of, and if we can punish them early and mercilessly, we could take their sting out. Also, their confidence is sky high at the moment, but is that justified. They beat Arsenal 3-1. BUT, remember they had luck on their side. The second penalty should never have been, Koscielny got sent off and the third was scored on the counter attack after Arsenal were pressing forward with ten men for an equaliser. Also, if we are to analyse the first goal of that game, Arsenal are lacking a solid central defensive midfielder to break up opposition attacks. This is why Agbonlahor danced right through the centre of Arsenal to win the first penalty. We have Lucas and Gerrard that can play this role.
Aston Villa’s confidence could play right into our hands. It could mean that they will play open, attacking football, and allow gaps that players like Aspas, Coutinho and Sterling can take advantage of.
This would be my line-up, formation and strategy...
Starting IX
Mignolet, Toure, Agger, Johnson, Enrique, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson, Aspas, Coutinho, Sturridge.
Formation and Strategy
Back four standard. I would have Gerrard, Lucas and Henderson playing closer together in the heart of the midfield to close any space down from there. Gerrard and Lucas to sit deep and Henderson who is younger and who has a good engine to play box to box. This would negate Agbonlahor and Weimann trying to play in the hole between the midfield and the defence. This means they will probably try to play down the sides of the defence, but we have fullbacks in Johnson and Enrique who can match them both for speed. Agger would be assigned to follow Benteke around the field as apart from his physical strength, he does possess a strong left foot. Agger should not allow Benteke a second touch of any ball.
Attacking wise, we have players in Coutinho, Aspas and Sturridge that can keep the ball, take on defenders and draw the foul. Very intelligent footballers who can make those runs in behind the defenders and put them on the back foot.
Verdict
A tough game, but this will be a true test as to whether we can break into the top four this season.
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