That Alan Hutton was Aston Villa’s best player during their fleetingly promising start to the Premier League season should have set alarm bells ringing. Sure enough, Paul Lambert’s side have tailed off dramatically, and again look set to pull off the remarkable feat of just about surviving relegation without ever actually seeming to win a match. Unless, of course, they manage to pull off a shock at home to Liverpool on Saturday.
Aston Villa vs. Liverpool live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Can Liverpool continue their resurgence with a win over Aston Villa on Saturday?
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Unfortunately for the Midlanders, Brendan Rodgers' side have hit something like respectable form of late, winning three of their last four Premier League fixtures. In doing so, they've moved up into eighth place in the table; five points adrift of Manchester United in the final Champions League spot, and four behind Arsenal. They are beginning to gain ground.
Key player - Jores Okore (Aston Villa)
If there has been one good thing about Aston Villa’s season so far, it’s young Danish defender Jores Okore. After recovering from a serious knee injury he has forced his way into Paul Lambert’s starting lineup, and is beginning to live up to the billing he was given after arriving from Nordsjælland a couple of years ago. He’ll have to be at his best to keep a lively Liverpool attack quiet.
Key matchup - Alan Hutton vs. Alberto Moreno
Brendan Rodgers’ gung-ho 3-4-3 formation has greatly benefited summer signing Alberto Moreno, with the Spaniard’s lack of defensive capabilities masked by the extra centre-back behind him. It means he can now almost solely focus on charging forward and using his pace to terrorise opponents, and the unfortunate victim in this match will be Villa right-back Alan Hutton.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Libor Kozák (broken leg), Ron Vlaar (knee), Ciaran Clark (suspended), Chris Herd (international duty). In doubt: Philippe Senderos (calf).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Joe Allen, Jon Flanagan (knee), Brad Jones (thigh), Kolo Touré (international duty). In doubt: Glen Johnson (groin), Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana (thigh), Steven Gerrard (hamstring).
Aston Villa will continue to miss a couple of their first-team regulars, including Ron Vlaar and the suspended Ciaran Clark. However, Philippe Senderos could shake off a calf injury in time to be involved. Liverpool will be hoping to have a string of first-teamers back in their matchday squad this weekend, witth Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard among those close to a return to action.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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