We knew Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard would be out, each injured. But Fernando Torres? He also misses today’s Liverpool-Aston Villa match at Anfield, out of the team while with his pregnant wife, who is close to delivering the couple’s child. With Ryan Babel coupling David N’gog up top, it’s a relatively unrecognizable Liverpool side that’s taking on Aston Villa.
Liverpool Vs. Aston Villa: Surprises Adorn Each Club’s Starting XI
Villa has issues of their own. Mark Albrighton has returned, making a surprisingly quick return from appendix removal to start at right wing. Jonathan Hogg is starting along side Ciaran Clark in midfield, with Stephen Ireland also a shock name in the team. The presence of the former Manchester City man could signal a change in formation for Gerard Houllier, potentially playing a five man midfield.
That would be apropos for Houllier’s return to Anfield, where he was known for being (at times) too conservative. As for today’s match, the first eight minutes have seen a bright start, with both teams trying to quickly break the current 0-0.











