Liverpool’s draw against the newly promoted Norwich City was a huge disappointment. Fans in Anfield were discontent with the team’s performance and were once again let down by their team. Liverpool also struggled against League Two side; Carlisle United.
Even though, they won the game 1(3)-1(2) in penalties, this wasn’t nearly enough to make the Reds’ fans content. In fact, this result was even more disappointing than their previous result against Norwich. And many fans who have had enough, asked for Brendan Rodgers to be sacked! So while the Liverpool vs. Aston Villa clash certainly isn’t the biggest game of the week, it is easily one the most crucial for Brendan Rodgers who could now lose his job!
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet
The game against Norwich was a great example of how inconsistent Simon Mignolet can be, as his weak punch set up an easy goal for Russel Martin, but his save against Matt Jarvis, prevented Norwich from reaching a winner. And although Mignolet is very unreliable, and extremely inconsistent, he is the best goalkeeper that Liverpool has got and is an obvious choice to protect Liverpool’s goal against the Villans.
Right Back – Nathaniel Clyne
One of Liverpool’s best players in the defensive line, who has the balance of offensive and defensive mindset. He is also one of Liverpool’s most consistent players and is an obvious choice for the right back position.
Centre Back – Martin Škrtel
One of Liverpool’s most dominant defensive forces, Martin Škrtel will most likely start for Liverpool against Aston Villa.
Centre Back – Mamadou Sakho
He played decently against Norwich and showed much better defensive character than Lovren. He seemed a little rusty, but made a couple of decent challenges and was dominant in the air. He is also a great replacement for Lovren who had another poor performance against Carlisle United.
Left Back – Alberto Moreno
Liverpool needs goals against Aston Villa, who have struggled in the league thus far. So they need a more attacking minded fullback like Alberto Moreno over the more defensive minded Joe Gomez. Moreno also had a great display against Norwich, with him running through Norwich’s defense effortlessly and creating many chances, including the over the top ball he sent for Danny Ings which ended up in the back of the net.
Defensive Midfielder – Lucas Leiva
Lucas has been one of the most consistent players for Liverpool this season and has shown that he could create chances as well as he could defend his line. So it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Lucas Leiva start for Liverpool once again.
Central Midfielder – Emre Can
A young and extremely talented midfielder, Emre Can has played more of a defensive role in Liverpool but has still created many chances. So based on his incredible balance between defensive and offensive play, Emre is most fit to play in the heart of the midfield and play Jordan Henderson’s role while he is away. He had a brilliant performance against Carlisle United and created most of the chances for his team. Liverpool fans would be hoping to see him perform with the same quality against Aston Villa.
Attacking Midfielder – Philipe Coutinho
Young, talented, and effective. Philipe Coutinho is a player that the fans will always want to see in the starting lineup, as he has proven to be a game changer for Liverpool. He is creative, smart, and brave; which is exactly what Liverpool needs in order to push further up.
Striker – Daniel Sturridge
The always injured but brilliant striker, Daniel Sturridge, is finally fit and hoping to start against Aston Villa. His performance against Norwich was good, and while he seemed a bit rusty, he still forced a good save out of John Ruddy. He needs more playing time to get back to his previous form, so he should start against Aston Villa.
Striker – Danny Ings
Young, extremely talented, and full of potential. Danny Ings could be a serious threat up front, as he has also scored in both of his last two games. He is lightning fast, and can finish well, so it seems like he will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Striker – Divock Origi
Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers need goals more than ever, so three strikers up front would be their best shot at an all-out offensive game against Aston Villa who has young and talented defenders like Jordan Amavi and Micah Richards. And because of Christian Benteke’s injury, Divock Origi could be a great choice for the third striker position, as he can provide good balls to the other strikers, and is a tireless threat up front, who is also good in the air. And although he is still very green, he could learn a lot from Sturridge and Ings playing alongside him.
(4-3-3)
