So we're now into November (a month in which we normally do notoriously badly) and things are suddenly looking a bit more positive after two convincing displays against West Ham and Anderlecht. Unbelievably, last week after the Palace game comments included the manager should go, Garcia should be dropped, Morientes is useless, and Kewell should never pull on a Liverpool shirt again. Well what a difference a week makes eh? Rafa seems to have stumbled across his best team for now almost through chance, although we on here have been calling for Gerrard to play on the right short term for some time and have also advocating playing two upfront the majority of the time. So we should go to Villa on Saturday full of confidence. And for God's sake Rafa, play the same team that stated against West Ham. There is an International break coming up so there's no need to rotate anybody.
Reina
Finnan Carra Hyypia Riise
Gerrard Alonso Sissoko Garcia
Morientes Cisse
I'm sorry, but there can be no excuses for that team not going to Villa and winning. I watched Villa the other day against Man City and they were categorically garbage. Their defence is completely useless against anything with pace so Cisse should have a field day if he plays. We have our best two fullbacks back in their rightful positions. Garcia and Gerrard are thriving because they are given licence to roam with two deep lying midfielders behind them in Alonso and Sissoko. Morientes looks to be coming into some form aswell and should start. Considering the abuse Crouch has been getting, starting him against one of his former clubs where he'll get even more stick is not advisable.
This is a big test believe me. All of our victories this season have come at home and we've got to start getting points on the road. Villa are struggling at the moment and this game is there for the taking. A defeat would just put us back to square one again after two decent displays.
I'll go for a 2-0 win, with Morientes and Gerrard to get the goals. Here's hoping anyway.