Liverpool vs. Aston Villa: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More
By
(Contributor) on April 4, 2012
Stu Forster/Getty Images
How the mighty have fallen. Liverpool, long considered one of the "big four" clubs in England, is floundering in mid-table this year. Aston Villa, which challenged for a Champions League spot as recently has 2009-2010, is even lower, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
Both of these teams need wins, and they need them fast. They need to play entertaining soccer to show their fans that they aren't dead.
Where: Anfield, Liverpool, England
When: Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET
Live Stream: Foxsoccer.tv
Recent Meetings
The last times these teams met was back in December, when Liverpool used two goals in the first 15 minutes to walk out of Villa Park with a 2-0 win. The last time they met at Anfield—a year earlier—Liverpool won 3-0.
However, in the last 10 meetings between the two clubs, Aston Villa holds a 4-3 advantage (with three ties).
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Player to Watch: Doni
Liverpool starting goalkeeper Pepe Reina is set to miss the next three games for a headbutt on Newcastle's James Perch. He played the last 16,000 minutes straight before that, so anybody playing in his place should expect it to be difficult.
Doni just joined Liverpool at the beginning of the season from Roma, where he spent six seasons. All eyes will be on him to see how he performs, especially if the game ends up being a close one.
What They're Saying
Doni seems to have his teammates' support, especially defender Sebastien Coates (from the Liverpool Echo):
Alexander is a great person and a great goalkeeper. I am sure he will do really well. He has played for Brazil, one of the greatest national teams in the world, so he is used to playing in big games. He perhaps hasn't had an opportunity because obviously we have Pepe, but I think he will do well. I think he will make the most of every opportunity that's given to him. He is a great team-mate and we all wish him well.
Doni has to be a quality goalkeeper, otherwise he wouldn't be playing for Liverpool. If he gets a little bit of action early, it will allow him to steady his nerves and be focused on doing what comes naturally, without worrying about the Anfield crowd watching him.
Prediction: Liverpool wins, 2-1
Liverpool has won one of its last seven games, but Villa hasn't done much better, with a win and two ties to go along with three losses in that span. The pressure is on both of these clubs to step their game up heading into the last stretch of the season.
But at home, in front of The Kop, Liverpool is always dangerous. Coming off a 2-0 loss at Newcastle, the Reds will want to bounce back quickly in front of their own fans. This should be a good game, but Liverpool will squeak it out in the end.
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