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The final game of the season and one, depending on how you look at it, where there is very little to play for. Of course, there is still the chance to finish top Midlands club if we can better Albion’s result, but other than that, the match merely marks the end to an altogether forgettable season.
Reports state that Gerard Houllier may attend the match, although this will be via a director’s box rather than via the dugout. After the prior misdemeanors at Anfield earlier this season, it is perhaps for the best that he isn’t in the dugout for this match. Altogether still, it is better because we are safe with a game to spare. I’m sure Houllier could do without the extra strain on his heart of needing a point from a match against Liverpool.
The Villa squad has a clean bill of health barring a supposed dead leg for Jean II Makoun. In keeping with this bill of health, I imagine the team will be:
Friedel / L. Young – Dunne – Collins – Walker / Downing – Petrov – Delph – Reo-Coker – Young / Bent
Bent will be looking to take his Villa tally to double figures if he can score on Sunday, and is already Villa’s top goalscorer. I will be looking to Fabian Delph to see how he can operate in a three man midfield as it will be a glimpse into how I believe we will line up next season.
Whilst I believe this will be the starting lineup, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a place for Bannan in the team, as well as a cameo appearance for Delfouneso later in the game if we need to chase.
Liverpool will welcome Raul Meireles to their squad after a minor injury.
And from across the Aston Expressway…
Whilst we have a relatively bland game to come, there will be a massive game going on across at St Andrews. After winning the Carling Cup in February, Birmingham face a last day scrap to avoid relegation. Blues must better the results of Blackpool and Wigan to stay in the top flight, otherwise they will be relegated.
There have been numerous groups of fans saying that Blues are down, but they aren’t just yet and, whilst I’m sure there is a certain gleeful joy from watching Blues stumble, celebrations regarding their demise are a tad early. Whether they will be down come 5:45, we will find out soon enough. Will we see an understrength Manchester United team be a talking point for the casualties of this year’s relegation battle? I think so.
Statistics
Aston Villa have averaged one goal per game on the final day of Premier League seasons (18 in 18 matches)
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven final day games, last losing to Chelsea in 2003.
Liverpool have conceded seven penalty goals this season, more than any other side.
Villa have scored at least once in 15 of their last 16 league games.
Villa have won only one of their last 18 Premier League games against Liverpool.
The Villans have not won a Premier League home game against the Reds since February 1998, and have scored just three goals in their last 11 home clashes v Liverpool.
Kenny Dalglish’s last match in charge of Liverpool at Villa Park ended as a goalless draw.
Brad Friedel has made 399 Premier League appearances so the Villa v Liverpool match will be his 400th.
Villa have thrown away 26 points from winning positions, more than any other side.
Liverpool’s last three Premier League away games have seen a total of 12 goals.
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