Liverpool vs. Aston Villa: 4 Things the Reds Must Do Better to Secure Victory

Liverpool desperately need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after a shocking run since the turn of the year has seen them amass just eight points from a possible 36.

Their next opportunity to turn the corner comes at Anfield this weekend against Aston Villa, who have had their own struggles of late and lie in 15th position, just five points above the drop zone.

Six defeats in seven matches is nowhere near good enough for Liverpool, who need to improve significantly in several key areas to get back to winning ways against the Villains.

Show More Bite, Nous and Composure in Midfield

Liverpool have historically had a strong spine through their team and more recent sides have had a similar trait—think Mohamed Sissoko, Javier Mascherano and, of course, Xabi Alonso.

Strong midfielders don't have to fly into every challenge, but they have an air about them that imposes them on the game almost automatically.

Opponents pause before looking up for the killer pass, knowing that a Red shirt is already going to be in position to intercept or make a challenge.

Recently, the midfield too often been found wanting against nothing more than mediocre opposition. In the Reds' last match against Newcastle, it disappeared entirely after the second goal went in.

Liverpool have to get back to producing effective midfield performances to beat their opponents—both in terms of working together in defence and maintaining possession in attack.

Defend as a Team

Yes, Papiss Cisse was offside and the goal shouldn't have stood, but nonetheless it did. Liverpool's defending for Newcastle's second goal last week was comical.

Since they lost half of their preferred back four a month or so ago, with Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson both out with injury, Liverpool's previously impregnable back line has been breached seven times in the last three games.

Martin Kelly has also been out injured, while goalkeeper Pepe Reina will now miss three games for his red card against the Magpies.

Whether or not any defenders return from injury is yet to be determined, but Liverpool must improve on their recent defensive lapses and become strong again—especially as either Brad Jones or Alexander Doni will be making their first appearances of the season behind them.

Reverting to a back three may be the way forward for Kenny Dalglish over the next couple of games.

Get the Crowd on Their Side

The last few weeks have really tested some of the Liverpool fans' patience, even to the extent that Kenny Dalglish has come under immense pressure in the media and within certain sections of fans.

One thing the players in red cannot afford is to lose the support of the Kop crowd. For proof of this, look no further than what happened to Roy Hodgson as the home support walked out on his team.

Liverpool need to start fast against Aston Villa and show a real intent and desire to win the game early on.

That will help the fans raise their own performance for a match that Liverpool really need to win.

Surprise, Surprise: Finish off Chances

The most predictable and recurring theme of Liverpool's season so far: the finishing.

This could all have been so different had Andy Carroll deigned to just roll the ball home early on against Newcastle instead of tumbling rather pathetically to the ground. Even after that, Liverpool managed to have an effort cleared off the line (with an arm), hit the woodwork (again) and put a few other chances wide of the target.

Against Aston Villa, Liverpool will come up against one of the few teams who have scored less than them this season—33 compared to 36.

The statistics might suggest that a single goal will be enough to secure victory, and at the end of the day, that is exactly what Liverpool need. But let's face it: If Liverpool have been poor recently, Villa have been woeful all season long.

Liverpool, at Anfield, should be looking at this game as a chance to put three goals past the opposition, record a solid victory and start building confidence again.