Match Prediction: Liverpool at Anfield
Friday, 18 January 08, 06:01 AM · Comments (20)
We might be on the same points as Liverpool but that doesn't mean we're as good as Liverpool. They have, in Steven Gerrard, one of the best central midfielders in the World who can, quite literally, win games for them.
It's not just what he does or the goals he scores - it's how he gets everyone else up for the game. His attitude on the pitch acts as a catalyst and to some extent can determine how Liverpool play.
Yes we can beat them, on the day we can beat anyone and now is a good time for us to be playing them but a win isn't my prediction - not this season anyway.
If we did beat them and if we did it convincingly my views on where the team are, right now, will change - but I can't see it happening - mostly because we are not their yet - despite moving in the right direction and despite the fact that Liverpool, if anyone, are the likely candidates to leave the top four this season.
However, it is very rare a team goes to Anfield as favourites and we're a long way from that but it doesn't mean we can't defend well, break down attacks in midfield and contain Gerrard. It also doesn't mean we can score from a set piece or get a good break.
There is no shame taking a point from Liverpool and while I don't think Martin O'Neill will ever admit to us or to his players that is what he wants, if on Monday night that is what we get - through pure determination and unwillingness to give up on every ball - then most of us will be happy.
Short and sweet today because of work and we'll do team news Monday and the punt tomorrow morning but my prediction is a draw - and I'll go so far to predict a score draw - because of anything, we're scoring goals this season.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
20 Comments · Add yours
monday night game, so im guessing capello will be there - will reo coker get a better chance to impress this season? i doubt it, if he can do a number on stevie g we are in with a chance, neither hypia or carragher are fast and riise and finnan have both been poor this season
I've got a good feeling about this game. We'll give them a good fight.
2-1 villa always the optimist! atleast one set piece goal and hopefully an agbhonlahor goal infront of capello! by the way you forgot torres as another match winner well see what he can do against laursen and the ever improving davies!
I think there's a chance we can win but I'm not sure. A point would be a great result but revenge but would be sweeter.
>:(
However hope full we are to win at anfield, realistically, at
1-1 draw is what I would expect. Anything more would be a bonus.
Cant get to the match, cant afford the flights...but will see you all at the Fulham match. Flying from Ireland.
;D
Europe here we come...(Champions League) not UEFA
No way your gonna lose, Down with the Villa
No way we're going to lose? UTV
Me too, i can only see a draw happening. I think if we have Barry out of the squad we'll struggle to stay disciplined and may well find ourselves looking for inspiration.
3:10 Friday afternnoon Paddy Power has
Liverpool 8 - 13
Draw 5 - 2
Villa 9 - 2
I think Villa are a lot closer to Liverpool than that. Like you PaulE I have a feeling about this one. Barry being fit though is vital.
Slightly worried about the speed of our back line against Torres, but we'll have to see. We'll do well to get a goal, if we do we could win it.
Bearing in mind the first game this season when we were unlucky not to get a draw, and our much improved away form, I'm having a small punt on a Villa win with a saver on the draw. I will be down my local in St. Albans shouting down the door-to-door dishcloth salespeople and hubcap pilferers. If we lose, I can take it on the chin like a man, after all I've been a Villa fan for nearly 40 years so I'm used to it.
I don't think we'll win unless we really fill the box for corners and free kicks because reina can be shaky in the air. I'm hoping we score first then it gives us a good platform to play on. Aslong as it doesn't end 3-1 like last time. My prediction 2-1 Torres to make the difference.
5 mins to go, 1-1, Young dives outrageously under a non-tackle from Carragher just outside the 'D'. Up steps Maloney and its in the top corner. Ha!
salty, how dare you say that. it was no dive, carragher definately made contact, its just that the camera didnt pick it up!
pools defence is suspect so i think we r more than capable of winning monday nite..liverpool arent dat good,just hope we dont go dere and not play our normal attackin football.. dont show them 2 much respect and they r there 4 the takin.cum on da villa!!
If he goes looking for a draw we'll get beat. Must go out to rattle them with pace, crowd there is edgy, early goal will upset them. I'd take 1-1.
we must not do wot we did against man u an play defensively purely cos of the team we r facin. we gotta take it to them. our record at anfield is toilet, so im not confident, but im hopin an prayin for atleast a clean sheet.
I think we just need to play the same football as we usually do. Sure play it a little more safe than usual as Liverpool are a decent side, and by that for example I mean I don't want to see Reo Coker bombing it up the field again and giving it away, clearly not his strong point. Going to be a hard game no doubt, but if we play as well as we did against Chelsea it's ours for the taking.
i would like martin o neil to buy such palyer like:ribas diego(werder bremen)vagner love(cska moskow)ivan klasnic(werder bremen)