English Premier League Monday: Gerard Houllier Returns To Anfield With Aston Villa Visiting Liverpool

The last days of Rafa Benítez’s reign at Anfield brought nostalgia for Gèrard Houllier’s stewardship, though their tenures bear a number of similarities. Their successes came relatively early. Their purchases were highly criticized. Their departures were somewhat drawn out, coming at the end of a long spell of criticism. By the time each had left, Liverpool was scarcely better off than before their arrivals, despite successes in the interim.

It’s been six-and-half years since Houllier steered Liverpool, enough time for fans to focus on six trophies (in as many years) rather than their fifth place finish in 2002-03. As such, Houllier is likely to get a relatively warm welcome, returning as Aston Villa’s manager for today’s match at Anfield.

Villa goes into the match in 16h place, only two points above the drop. They’ll be without Ashley Young, serving a one match suspension, with Mark Albrighton joining him on the sidelines, still recovering from having his appendix removed. Stiliyan Petrov is also out, but Nigel Reo-Coker might be back, joining Emile Heskey and Barry Bannan as doubtful.

Liverpool, currently sitting 12th, will be without Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, with the latter out for three months after last week’s shoulder surgery. The Reds should get Joe Cole back, though. Expect the spunky lightning rod to be on the subs bench.

Coverage is scheduled to start on ESPN3 at 2:55 p.m. Eastern time. We’ll be keeping you up-to-date on all major occurrences through SB Nation Soccer.