The narrative behind Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield as a coach has dominated the media this last week, and although the Liverpool icon has brushed aside sentimental comments about his debut in the dugout at the place he once called home, emotions will undoubtedly run high this Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s press conference ahead of the game was also dominated by talk about Gerrard’s start as the Aston Villa manager, and the whole story has distracted many from the simple fact that a fascinating Premier League game is on the horizon.
The Villan’s trip to Anfield will be their fifth game under Gerrard, and he has won three of four so far, with the one slip up coming against league leaders Manchester City, a match in which his side performed well and could’ve easily taken at least a point.
A style of play has been very efficiently established, with high-pressing, quality on the ball and crisp passing being at the forefront of Gerrard’s mind. For players such as John McGinn and Marvellous Nakamba, it is clear to see that they have learnt a lot from one of the most decorated midfielders of all time, and this individual influence he is having on the team has been clear to see in a few impressive wins.
The most recent of these was against a depleted Leicester City team, a game in which Aston Villa thoroughly deserved maximum points. The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric, reciprocating the effort the players were putting into the match and this is something I think we need to get used to for the Midlands club. Gerrard will demand everything from his players, and heading to Anfield in one of the most difficult games of the season, his message will to play with no fear, playing the game and not the occasion.
Despite such positivity around Gerrard’s start, expectations are to challenge for the European places and certain players will need to deliver more regularly if they are to assert themselves into the side on a regular basis. One man that has struggled at times this season is Emiliano Buendia, the tireless creator signed from Norwich in the summer. Dean Smith struggled to get the best out of the man many said would replace Grealish, but in recent weeks we have seen his influence on the team far more vividly.
Buendia’s energy in the victory against Leicester set the tempo for many of his colleagues, forcing those in blue to surrender possession easily whilst also showing some quality on the ball. Although Konsa was credited with the first goal, it was Buendia with the header and the Argentine was a presence throughout. In a game of high energy on Saturday, it is important that the likes of McGinn, Ramsey and Buendia match the tempo of the Liverpool players in order to keep the contest really interesting. Looking to play on the counter attack, the former Norwich man could be significant if the away side are to create anything of real note.
Likewise, Ollie Watkins has thrived under Gerrard after a subdued start to the season. Villa’s centre forward scored four goals in the two fixtures against Liverpool last season, and his style of play suits exactly how Liverpool defend. A relentless presser and believer that there is no such thing as a lost cause, Watkins will have the job of stopping Van Dijk play a significant part in the game. We saw last week at Wolves just how effective the Dutchman can be when given time to pick out a pass, so Gerrard will be hoping that his man can keep going right until the end. Likewise, his finishing has been much improved in recent weeks, despite somehow not scoring in the game against Leicester. With Danny Ings not expected to make the game, reliance will be on Watkins to provide those instincts going forward and keep his good form up.
In general, a fascinating game of football could be on the cards here, Liverpool are obviously expected to win but if percentages are dropped ever so slightly, Gerrard’s side could pounce and cause an unlikely upset. His return in itself will add to an electric Anfield atmosphere, and if the 22 players on the pitch play with as much passion as Gerrard did in Liverpool red, then we are in for a rollercoaster of an encounter.
Predicted Aston Villa team: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Young, McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins
