News
Match: Liverpool v Villa
Venue: Anfield
Date: Monday August 24 - ko 8pm
Referee: Martin Atkinson
COMMENTARY
Jack Woodward is joined by Andy Blair on AVTV.
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FORM GUIDE
After defeats to Wigan and Rapid Vienna, Villa go in search of their first win of the season and their first Barclays Premier League points. There's an extra incentive for Martin O'Neill's men - revenge for last season's 5-0 defeat at Anfield.
Liverpool also made a losing start to the season, with a defeat against Tottenham in their opening fixture. However, they got their first win on the board with a 4-0 victory over Stoke City last week.
KEY MEN
The Reds' star man needs no introduction. If they are at their dangerous best tonight, you can almost guarantee Steven Gerrard (pictured) will be at the heart of it. His drive, determination, goalscoring prowess and all round brilliance in the middle of the park have made him one of the world's finest midfielders.
Fernando Torres is equally as dangerous, with his work ethic, pace and class in front of goal. The super Spaniard has become a Kop hero since his big money move from Atletico Madrid. He is also a Euro 2008 winner.
Although Liverpool won handsomely in this fixture last season, it could have been very different but for several crucial saves from Reds keeper Pepe Reina in the first 30 minutes. He's been rock solid since joining Liverpool in 2005.
THE GAFFER
For the second league game in a row, Martin O'Neill finds himself up against a Spanish boss. Rafa Benitez has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, the Spanish La Liga title and the FA Cup. Now he's desperate for the one notable omission from that list - the Barclays Premier League trophy.
Despite finishing fifth in his first season, the Reds have made a year-on-year improvement in the league and finished just four points behind champions Manchester United in 2008-09.
Benitez earned his place in Anfield folklore after guiding Liverpool to their fifth European Cup/Champions League triumph in 2005, when they won arguably the greatest final of all time, against Milan.
VITAL VILLANS
Carlos Cuellar is going to have a massive part to play in keeping out his compatriot Fernando Torres. Cuellar will have faced the Liverpool striker before during his time at Osasuna and with Villa's defensive options stretched, it's a big game for the Spanish centre back.
Villa's frontmen will be desperate to open their account for the new campaign, so it's also a huge night for Emile Heskey, John Carew and Gabby Agbonlahor.
BIG MATCH FACTS
In their last 16 home and away games against Villa, Liverpool are unbeaten. This run includes one League Cup win.
The last time Villa won at Anfield was in September 2001, when they secured a 3-1 victory.
Steven Gerrard has scored 10 goals against Villa during his career, including nine in the league.
Villa's Nicky Shorey is currently on 299 career starts.
Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt is on 149 appearances for the Reds.
FLASHBACK
Liverpool held the upper hand last season, earning a 0-0 draw at Villa Park before winning 5-0 at Anfield.
But Villa don't have to look back too far for inspiration. In 2007-08, they produced a superb performance only for Dirk Kuyt to deny them three points at the death. The game finished 2-2 with Villa's goals coming from Marlon Harewood and a Fabio Aurelio own goal.
Going back further to September 2001, goals from Dion Dublin, Lee Hendrie (pictured) and Darius Vassell earned Villa a magnificent 3-1 success at Anfield.
