Aston Villa-Liverpool Preview

Aug 22, 2009 - 12:56 PM GEOFF McALLISTER STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes a trip to Liverpool on Monday can kick-start his team's season.

Villa have made a poor start so far, losing 2-0 at home to Wigan on the opening day and then going down to a goal scored after 16 seconds in midweek against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League.

Not many managers would consider playing at Anfield as the place most likely to cure a problem, but the unpredictable O'Neill is convinced.

"I am certainly not underestimating Liverpool. Far from it. But it is the sort of fixture where you have to raise your game and that is what we need.

"This time last year we had a poor result against Stoke but then we played Liverpool at Villa Park and held them and it was the start of an impressive run.

"The disappointing thing about losing at home to Wigan was the overall performance. You don't forget such results but you have to get on with it and not dwell on failure.

"These things happen. Look at Everton, they finished above us in the table but there has been a bit of turmoil in the club and they end up losing 6-1 at home to Arsenal.

"Some of my players have been jaded, not getting enough games in pre-season, but they will need to be at their best at Liverpool and I think it might give us a lift."

Norwegian striker John Carew is O'Neill's latest worry after being ruled out of the Rapid Vienna match because of a virus.

Carew is a doubt while injuries and a family bereavement rule out Wilfred Bouma, Stewart Downing and Luke Young.

Liverpool believe they have added a new dimension to their attack in the shape of 17 million pounds signing Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

England right back Johnson showed his potential in a starring role in the 4-0 win over Stoke at Anfield in midweek.

Johnson said: "It is easy to play in this team. There are quality players all over the pitch and I am loving every minute of it already.

"The manager has encouraged me to get forward, which I like doing, and against Stoke it paid off with my first goal. It will not be my last."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: "Glen has done very well in his first two matches for us against Tottenham and Stoke.

"He has settled in very quickly and we have told him to get forward as much as possible to give us an attacking option down the right flank. I think he will be a big asset for us."

Liverpool were beaten 2-1 on the opening day at White Hart Lane but returned to known form with a 4-0 drubbing of Stoke.

Defender Martin Skrtel, injured in a clash of heads with team-mate Jamie Carragher at Spurs, may return to face Villa.