Reds must be wary of confident Villa (ESPN article)

by Dave Usher for ESPN

Aston Villa haven't been particularly good these past few years, but try telling that to Brendan Rodgers. The Midlands outfit have flirted with relegation for the past two seasons, finishing just five points above the drop zone both times, but they have given Liverpool all they could handle -- especially at Anfield -- since Rodgers took the helm. The Reds edged out two close games at Villa Park but have so far failed to beat Paul Lambert's side on home soil.

Having suffered a shock 3-1 loss to a Christian Benteke-inspired Villa two years ago, Liverpool then had to come from two goals down to salvage a draw in last season's fixture. When you consider some of the drubbings Rodgers' Liverpool have dished out to some very good sides, it's difficult to comprehend their struggles against the Villains.

Lambert's men are just one of those awkward opponents who seem to have more success against the league's better sides then they do against those around them in the bottom half. Their playing style is infinitely more suited to playing on the back foot when not much is expected of them, as Liverpool have twice discovered to their cost.

Whereas some criticism can be levelled at Rodgers and Liverpool for not getting their tactical approach right in those fixtures, praise has to be given to Lambert for the way he set his team up to perfection in both of his trips to Anfield.

It was no fluke, either. Villa managed to beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City last season and can be very dangerous opponents on their day. They have great energy and pace in the team and can be devastating on the counter-attack, so scoring first against them is of vital importance.

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