Liverpool against Aston Villa

Ireland's cross is caught by Reina and the Spanish keeper must thank Villa's midfielders for giving him catching practice all evening long.

The game is petering out and any hopes of a last-gasp Villa revival are well and truly dead.

Meireles has a go... but it's safely gathered by Friedel. He must be glad to get the ball in his hands for once.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kyrgiakos off, Kelly comes on. Looks like cramp for the Greek.

Cole deliver a cross, but it's of his usual standard and rolls along the floor.

Dunne hammers the ball forward, but Villa don't look likely to score and, more worryingly, they don't look that bothered about it either.

Johnson in space after a corner, but he drags his shot to the near post and it is blocked by Hogg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Kuyt off, Joe Cole comes on.

Babel still working hard at the other end of the pitch, but can't quite break through.

Pires and Carew combine as the big man goes in between two defenders, falls down, but nothing is given.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aurelio on for Maxi.

The ball comes back in and Skrtel hits it wide! Central defenders really want to get on the scoresheet tonight.

Kyrgiakos gets his head on a corner, but Hogg is there on the line to head clear.

Kuyt is still chasing down the ball all over the place. Every team needs someone like him, so full of energy.

Johnson through again, he has so much space. He drills the ball over the bar when he really should have done a lot better.

Villa look more dangerous with Carew on the pitch and Pires playing in behind. But Liverpool are standing firm.

Babel caught offside and brings the ball down with his arm anyway.

Johnson powers forward for Liverpool. He cuts inside, then outside, then hammers a shot against Friedel, who did well to get in the way of it.

An attacking move, but what else is there for Villa? They need a miracle.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oh wait, he is. Carew comes on for Agbonlahor and Pires comes on for Albrighton.

Another Downing cross finds Reina's palms. Reckon he thinks Carew is playing... he's not.

A decent cross from Hogg, but noone is there again. Villa have enjoyed more possession, but they have not made it count.

Possession being swapped around as neither side can keep a hold of the ball. Villa are probing, but can't break through.

Hogg robs his man and flies down the right. He cuts it back to the back of the box and Downing comes onto it. He hits it wide.

Warnock covers well to get across and stop Babel from finding space. Villa are pushing on, and there are spaces all over the place now.

Villa try to get forward and it's Downing again. His ball is cleared again by the commanding Skrtel.

A great break from the Reds and surely, that is game over! Embarrassing for Villa.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ngog is clear down the left and he cuts it back to Maxi who is running in to stab into the top corner. 3-0!

Downing's ball across is plucked out of the air and Liverpool launch the counter attack...

He needs one more clean sheet to get his 100th in the Premier League. Saves like that will help.

Good play from Reina. Made himself big and got his foot on the ball as the striker tried to poke it home from the six-yard box.

Reina to the rescue. A clear opening for Villa as Downing gets away and squares for Agbonlahor. The keeper spreads himself and blocks.

Ngog twisting and turning, gets the ball and almost breaks through, but Dunne stands firm. A third goal would certainly kill this one off.

Agbonlahor does very well to speed past Skrtel and get his cross in, but there's no-one there. Johnson controls in his own box and clears with ease.

Babel uses his pace to get past Dunne. Collins hacks clear as the cross floats in.

Liverpool haven't netted in the second half in five games, so that's a piece of good news for Villa. Bad news is, they are two down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> And that's what they get. Clark off, Nathan Delfouneso on.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. A change is needed by Villa.

<B>HT</B>. The replacements have fired, Ngog and Babel. Great work from the Reds, much more to do for Villa.

As, indeed, do Liverpool.

One added minute, and Villa look happy for the whistle to blow.

Downing is screaming for the ball, but Villa don't see him. He was free on his wing and is furious.

It's slowed right down to walking pace now. Half-time can't come soon enough.

Agbonlahor looks out of it, he's not bothering to chase down the Liverpool defence, so they have all the time in the world to clear.

Johnson misunderstands Kuyt's run and the ball flies out of play. Liverpool look pretty comfortable and they have not really been tested thus far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Clark goes in studs up and he's booked.

Collins slips and Babel tries to guide the ball home. It slips wide though.

Ngog down the left, cuts inside, but that was a good tackle coming in from Clark. Wave after wave of red attacks now...

Downing goes down holding his ankle, but he's back up. They need him fighting fit.

Liverpool being pressed, but again Villa look pretty toothless. The Reds are playing some nice one-touch stuff to get themselves out of trouble.

Kuyt bursting past Dunne and Warnock. Clark eventually gets the tackle in to stop him as he ploughed into the box.

Will Villa be looking for a new manager? They might if they don't get a win soon, even if Gerard is a relatively new appointment.

<b>BREAKING NEWS:</b> Martin Jol is going to Newcastle by the looks of things, as he has resigned from Ajax.

Villa really have offered very little up front. A change in formation is needed if they want to get back into the game.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1206/davidngoggoal20101130_275x155.jpg"><br>Ngog heads home from close range.

Agbonlahor gets away, but clips Skrtel's heels. It's a foul, otherwise he was away.

Kyrgiakos gets free at the far post and heads over. That was a really good chance, he wasn't far out and got the jump on his man.

Clark hammers forward, but they dwell on the ball and lose it. The story of the half so far for them.

Wonderful flick around his man by Ngog, but Kuyt just can't gather to race through on goal.

Very tidy play by the Reds, do my eyes deceive me or is Lucas looking like a real player?

Ngog tries a turn on the edge of the box, but is muscled out. Villa now attack, with Albrighton, but Konchesky is there to block his cross.

Friedel, a former Liverpool goalkeeper of course, has only had two things to do: to pick the ball out of the net.

Johnson has to get back to nick the ball away from Downing as he was breaking down the left.

Liverpool relaxing now. Just keeping control of the ball. They don't need to chase the game.

No Torres or Gerrard, but Ngog and Babel have netted within three minutes of each other.

A long, long way back for Villa now.

Fantastic finish, a great ball from Lucas and Babel beat the offside trap to make it two.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Oh, but it's even harder now. Babel races onto a ball over the top and tucks it home. 2-0.

They now have to rebuild. A defeat is very damaging to their hopes.

On the balance of things, it's a deserved lead. But it was against the run of play as Villa had looked more dangerous in recent minutes.

Skrtel wins the header from the corner to get the ball back into the area, Ngog pounces and directs it past Friedel.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> And they still haven't! Ngog gets his head on the ball and it's in!

It looked like it might be a decent game in the opening exchanges, neither keeper has had to make a save yet though.

Ngog finding some space, but Hogg is doing well to cover the ground and get his foot on the ball.

Villa have steadied the ship after a nervy opening few minutes. It's fairly even now.

A lot of pressure coming down the Villa right at the moment. Agbonlahor needs to get more into the game though, he's looked lonely.

Reina gives the ball to Albrighton, but he's a long way out and Konchesky has the pace to get back and deal with the situation.

Villa put some passes together, but Konchesky hammers into Ireland. Downing wastes the free-kick though.

What a ball from Downing. A killer cross and Konchesky does very well to get it away from Albrighton at the far post.

Villa are all over the place at the back. Closed down in defence, they are looking hurried and Liverpool are swarming all over them.

Kuyt lifts the ball through to Babel, but Collins steps up and he's caught offside.

Ngog showing some good skills, he's looked sharp. Who needs Torres?

Great flick on the edge of the box, but Ireland eventually gets it clear. Liverpool look dangerous.

Villa being pressed back and Liverpool are on the offensive. Another foul and Warnock is given a talking to.

Meireles in, and the ball drops inside the box. It falls to Kuyt who hits a shot as the ball comes out. Just wide.

Good turn from Ngog and he's brought down by Dunne. A chance to lift it into the box.

Liverpool knocking the ball around nicely. But not very incisive. Babel leaps and heads back, but Villa gain possession again.

Agbonlahor's first move is a run down the left and a push in the back of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. Liverpool get us underway.

But of course, you're welcome here as well, as Liverpool take on Villa. A few seconds and then we're off...

If you're a fan of Italian football, own a TV and live in the UK, pop over to ESPN for Napoli against Palermo. Hamsik v Pastore.

Teams are coming out, and we're almost ready for kick-off.

Albrighton back for Villa, and that means they will set up in a 4-5-1. Him and Downing out on the wings, Ireland in the hole behind Agbonlahor.

Babel will be in the spotlight tonight. It looks like a 4-4-2 for the Reds, Ngog and the Dutchman up front.

One to watch for Villa? Stewart Downing. He's been in decent form and was unlucky to miss out on the last England squad.

"Hopefully we won't miss them on the pitch and we can show what we can do," said Fabio Aurelio. We've heard that kind of talk before though.

How will Liverpool manage without their magnificent three? No Torres, Gerrard or Carragher... the omens are not good when those three don't play.

Chris Hughton by the way, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=849732&sec=england&cc=5739" target="_blank">in case you were in a cave</a> this afternoon.

Villa really, really need a win. They are just two points off the relegation zone even teams with two more points than them are sacking their managers.

No place for Bobby Pires this time, he remains on the bench.

Villa defender Stephen Warnock plays against the side that once didn't think he would be good enough.

Gerard Houllier brings Agbonlahor back into the forward line and Jonathan Hogg is also given a chance in midfield.

Bit of team news: Torres' wife is giving birth, so he's not around, and Gerrard is out too. Babel and Lucas are given the chance to shine.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1206/fernandotorreswoe20101130_275x155.jpg"><br>They will have to do it without Torres.

Join us at 2000 GMT to see if Liverpool can beat Aston Villa at Anfield. It's Houllier's return!

Villa look more dangerous with Carew on the pitch and Pires playing in behind. But Liverpool are standing firm.

Babel caught offside and brings the ball down with his arm anyway.

Johnson powers forward for Liverpool. He cuts inside, then outside, then hammers a shot against Friedel, who did well to get in the way of it.

An attacking move, but what else is there for Villa? They need a miracle.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Oh wait, he is. Carew comes on for Agbonlahor and Pires comes on for Albrighton.

Another Downing cross finds Reina's palms. Reckon he thinks Carew is playing... he's not.

A decent cross from Hogg, but noone is there again. Villa have enjoyed more possession, but they have not made it count.

Possession being swapped around as neither side can keep a hold of the ball. Villa are probing, but can't break through.

Hogg robs his man and flies down the right. He cuts it back to the back of the box and Downing comes onto it. He hits it wide.

Warnock covers well to get across and stop Babel from finding space. Villa are pushing on, and there are spaces all over the place now.

Villa try to get forward and it's Downing again. His ball is cleared again by the commanding Skrtel.

A great break from the Reds and surely, that is game over! Embarrassing for Villa.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ngog is clear down the left and he cuts it back to Maxi who is running in to stab into the top corner. 3-0!

Downing's ball across is plucked out of the air and Liverpool launch the counter attack...

He needs one more clean sheet to get his 100th in the Premier League. Saves like that will help.

Good play from Reina. Made himself big and got his foot on the ball as the striker tried to poke it home from the six-yard box.

Reina to the rescue. A clear opening for Villa as Downing gets away and squares for Agbonlahor. The keeper spreads himself and blocks.

Ngog twisting and turning, gets the ball and almost breaks through, but Dunne stands firm. A third goal would certainly kill this one off.

Agbonlahor does very well to speed past Skrtel and get his cross in, but there's no-one there. Johnson controls in his own box and clears with ease.

Babel uses his pace to get past Dunne. Collins hacks clear as the cross floats in.

Liverpool haven't netted in the second half in five games, so that's a piece of good news for Villa. Bad news is, they are two down.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> And that's what they get. Clark off, Nathan Delfouneso on.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. A change is needed by Villa.

<B>HT</B>. The replacements have fired, Ngog and Babel. Great work from the Reds, much more to do for Villa.

As, indeed, do Liverpool.

One added minute, and Villa look happy for the whistle to blow.

Downing is screaming for the ball, but Villa don't see him. He was free on his wing and is furious.

It's slowed right down to walking pace now. Half-time can't come soon enough.

Agbonlahor looks out of it, he's not bothering to chase down the Liverpool defence, so they have all the time in the world to clear.

Johnson misunderstands Kuyt's run and the ball flies out of play. Liverpool look pretty comfortable and they have not really been tested thus far.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Clark goes in studs up and he's booked.

Collins slips and Babel tries to guide the ball home. It slips wide though.

Ngog down the left, cuts inside, but that was a good tackle coming in from Clark. Wave after wave of red attacks now...

Downing goes down holding his ankle, but he's back up. They need him fighting fit.

Liverpool being pressed, but again Villa look pretty toothless. The Reds are playing some nice one-touch stuff to get themselves out of trouble.

Kuyt bursting past Dunne and Warnock. Clark eventually gets the tackle in to stop him as he ploughed into the box.

Will Villa be looking for a new manager? They might if they don't get a win soon, even if Gerard is a relatively new appointment.

<b>BREAKING NEWS:</b> Martin Jol is going to Newcastle by the looks of things, as he has resigned from Ajax.

Villa really have offered very little up front. A change in formation is needed if they want to get back into the game.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1206/davidngoggoal20101130_275x155.jpg"><br>Ngog heads home from close range.

Agbonlahor gets away, but clips Skrtel's heels. It's a foul, otherwise he was away.

Kyrgiakos gets free at the far post and heads over. That was a really good chance, he wasn't far out and got the jump on his man.

Clark hammers forward, but they dwell on the ball and lose it. The story of the half so far for them.

Wonderful flick around his man by Ngog, but Kuyt just can't gather to race through on goal.

Very tidy play by the Reds, do my eyes deceive me or is Lucas looking like a real player?

Ngog tries a turn on the edge of the box, but is muscled out. Villa now attack, with Albrighton, but Konchesky is there to block his cross.

Friedel, a former Liverpool goalkeeper of course, has only had two things to do: to pick the ball out of the net.

Johnson has to get back to nick the ball away from Downing as he was breaking down the left.

Liverpool relaxing now. Just keeping control of the ball. They don't need to chase the game.

No Torres or Gerrard, but Ngog and Babel have netted within three minutes of each other.

A long, long way back for Villa now.

Fantastic finish, a great ball from Lucas and Babel beat the offside trap to make it two.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Oh, but it's even harder now. Babel races onto a ball over the top and tucks it home. 2-0.

They now have to rebuild. A defeat is very damaging to their hopes.

On the balance of things, it's a deserved lead. But it was against the run of play as Villa had looked more dangerous in recent minutes.

Skrtel wins the header from the corner to get the ball back into the area, Ngog pounces and directs it past Friedel.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> And they still haven't! Ngog gets his head on the ball and it's in!

It looked like it might be a decent game in the opening exchanges, neither keeper has had to make a save yet though.

Ngog finding some space, but Hogg is doing well to cover the ground and get his foot on the ball.

Villa have steadied the ship after a nervy opening few minutes. It's fairly even now.

A lot of pressure coming down the Villa right at the moment. Agbonlahor needs to get more into the game though, he's looked lonely.

Reina gives the ball to Albrighton, but he's a long way out and Konchesky has the pace to get back and deal with the situation.

Villa put some passes together, but Konchesky hammers into Ireland. Downing wastes the free-kick though.

What a ball from Downing. A killer cross and Konchesky does very well to get it away from Albrighton at the far post.

Villa are all over the place at the back. Closed down in defence, they are looking hurried and Liverpool are swarming all over them.

Kuyt lifts the ball through to Babel, but Collins steps up and he's caught offside.

Ngog showing some good skills, he's looked sharp. Who needs Torres?

Great flick on the edge of the box, but Ireland eventually gets it clear. Liverpool look dangerous.

Villa being pressed back and Liverpool are on the offensive. Another foul and Warnock is given a talking to.

Meireles in, and the ball drops inside the box. It falls to Kuyt who hits a shot as the ball comes out. Just wide.

Good turn from Ngog and he's brought down by Dunne. A chance to lift it into the box.

Liverpool knocking the ball around nicely. But not very incisive. Babel leaps and heads back, but Villa gain possession again.

Agbonlahor's first move is a run down the left and a push in the back of Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

<b>KICK-OFF</b>. Liverpool get us underway.

But of course, you're welcome here as well, as Liverpool take on Villa. A few seconds and then we're off...

If you're a fan of Italian football, own a TV and live in the UK, pop over to ESPN for Napoli against Palermo. Hamsik v Pastore.

Teams are coming out, and we're almost ready for kick-off.

Albrighton back for Villa, and that means they will set up in a 4-5-1. Him and Downing out on the wings, Ireland in the hole behind Agbonlahor.

Babel will be in the spotlight tonight. It looks like a 4-4-2 for the Reds, Ngog and the Dutchman up front.

One to watch for Villa? Stewart Downing. He's been in decent form and was unlucky to miss out on the last England squad.

"Hopefully we won't miss them on the pitch and we can show what we can do," said Fabio Aurelio. We've heard that kind of talk before though.

How will Liverpool manage without their magnificent three? No Torres, Gerrard or Carragher... the omens are not good when those three don't play.

Chris Hughton by the way, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=849732&sec=england&cc=5739" target="_blank">in case you were in a cave</a> this afternoon.

Villa really, really need a win. They are just two points off the relegation zone even teams with two more points than them are sacking their managers.

No place for Bobby Pires this time, he remains on the bench.

Villa defender Stephen Warnock plays against the side that once didn't think he would be good enough.

Gerard Houllier brings Agbonlahor back into the forward line and Jonathan Hogg is also given a chance in midfield.

Bit of team news: Torres' wife is giving birth, so he's not around, and Gerrard is out too. Babel and Lucas are given the chance to shine.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/1206/fernandotorreswoe20101130_275x155.jpg"><br>They will have to do it without Torres.

Join us at 2000 GMT to see if Liverpool can beat Aston Villa at Anfield. It's Houllier's return!