Liverpool FC legend backs Aston Villa to perform at Anfield

Mar 20 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

He added: “They know they will have to put in a sterling performance and pack the midfield at Anfield.

“Some of the best performances I have seen from Villa this season is when they go 4-3-3, or a lone striker and two wingers, and protect the middle of the park.

“They still have Nigel Reo-Coker who could come into that position. I don’t think right-back is his natural position.

“He can sit alongside Stiliyan Petrov and Gareth Barry can be like Steven Gerrard and get forward to support the striker.

“There is a way forward for Villa, no doubt about that.”

Villa are still in the thick of their best season for 13 years.

Houghton added: “I still think it has been a fabulous season.

“I am sure the supporters will be frustrated because a great opportunity of making the top four seems to be slipping away.

“That’s no different to Liverpool who held a seven point advantage over Manchester United eight or nine games ago and now it is four points the other way.

“But the players deserve the supporters to get behind them.

“They have to keep the faith and that will help the players. Who knows where they will then end up?”

Houghton says Villa’s younger players will gain from the experience of playing in key games at Anfield and Old Trafford after the international break.

“You can either live up to it or falter,” he said.

“We are going to find out a lot here about the kids at Villa in these two games against Liverpool and Manchester United.

“It won’t determine whether they become good or bad players but it will show their focus and drive and whether they have that determination to succeed.”