Liverpool FC: Predicting the Reds Starting XI vs Aston Villa

Liverpool should have beaten Queens Park Rangers by a comfortable margin last week, but again, the club's failure to put away chance after chance along with a masterful performance from Rangers keeper Radek Cerny caused them to only win 1-0.

This week, the Reds travel to the former home of Stewart Downing as Aston Villa play host to Liverpool at Villa Park.

Downing is yet to score since his last game for Villa, when he ironically scored against the Reds.

Villa have been in a poor run of form, but finally got a win this past weekend and will push Liverpool hard, but it should not be enough to overtake the Merseysiders.

GK: Pepe Reina

The constant goal guardian is the automatic even in cup games, as Reina is one of the most dynamic in the league and is known for his long throws and booming punts to try and ignite the Reds counter attack.

RB: Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson is great at driving the game forward, and if playing behind Maxi Rodriguez, he will allow the Argentine to make his inward runs to partner with Suarez.

However, Johnson can at times leave the back exposed more than Martin Kelly, but is still the top choice for Kenny Dalglish.

RCB: Martin Skrtel

People have been negative of Martin Skrtel for almost his entire time at Liverpool, but the last two seasons have seen him become a solid center half for the Reds back line, and he has once again claimed a firm grip on his place once more.

If Gabriel Agbonlahor plays, Skrtel will be needed for his physical pressence on the large attacker as well.

LCB: Daniel Agger

Daniel Agger has been excellent this season, and cross your fingers he has been able to remain fit and healthy with the Reds lessened fixture list without the additional European matches. This season could allow him to finally be fully fit for the future.

Agger is also the best passer of the ball in the center of defense, and his vision as well as long distance shooting power make him a classic Liverpool defender.

LB: Jose Enrique

Jose Enrique has turned out to be one of the best defensive signings for Reds since the arrival of Glen Johnson.

The Spaniard is tough as well as smart and can be equally as influential on the attack, as well as the defense.

RM: Maxi Rodriguez

Argentine wide attacker Maxi Rodriguez has been in top form over the last few fixtures, and only a superb effort by Queens Park Ranger's veteran goalkeeper, Radek Cerny, kept him from having at least a brace at Anfield last Saturday.

CM: Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson has been right up there with Andy Carroll as far as catching jeers from the Liverpool faithful, but he has been decent in the absence of both Steven Gerrard and now Lucas Leiva.

In my mind, he reminds me of Lucas a little bit, as he takes the comments and brushes it off keeping his head down and working to get better. While he may have seemed quite against Rangers, the weeks before, he was holding his own at the top of the Reds passing charts for completion percentage in the matches and is continuing to improve.

CM: Charlie Adam

Week after week, Charlie Adam has been improving and settling in at Anfield. He looked great against QPR and has been in fine form since the Manchester City match, where he was nearly the difference if his second goal had not been denied.

I believe he will be a major player in this week's scrap at Villa Park with both his outfield play and set piece deliveries always a key part of the puzzle.

LM: Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing makes his return to Villa Park when the Reds travel to play Aston Villa this weekend. It is the first time that the player will have faced his former club since moving to Anfield over the summer.

Most likely, he will receive mixed reviews from the fans, as the last time he was on that pitch, he scored against Liverpool, and with him having failed to score for the Reds, it could be an interesting sight to see him finally break his duck against Villa.

ST: Dirk Kuyt

While Dirk Kuyt can be a poacher in the box, just ask Luis Suarez about the goal the Dutchman stole from him against Manchester United back in March of 2011. He has been on a poor run of form.

Despite that fact, I still believe he will start over Craig Bellamy, who will most likely get rested before starting in the Reds midweek clash against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

Kuyt needs the chance to get his goal scoring form back, and this is his chance to do so if he will get back to his usual style of being in the right place at the right time.

ST: Luis Suarez

The all-action Uruguayan, Luis Suarez, is the only choice the Reds can actually make to lead the front line assault at Villa Park.

His goal against Queens Park Rangers will hopefully spark his finishing touch and keep him on the score sheet for the rest of the month.

Despite what has been a tough week for the player with the FA hearings over his row with Manchester United's Patrice Evra, Suarez is sure to be his usual professional self and get things done on Sunday afternoon in Birmingham.

Conclusion

The Reds should find another victory this weekend. However, if they fail to convert their chances, it could turn into another Fulham match on the road unfortunately.

If Liverpool can convert and turn the corner, they should be dominant, and I have a feeling that when they do, it would not be surprising for them to score five goals.

For the full preview of Aston Villa vs Liverpool plus the rest of the weekend's EPL fixtures, you can check out Bleacher Report's weekly EPL Preview, English Premier League: EPL Week 16 Previews and Predictions. 

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