ESPN FC Liverpool to Right the Ship vs Villa?
Oct 31, 2025
Frank Leboeuf, a former France and Chelsea defender, shares his insights on Liverpool's struggles ahead of their match against Aston Villa. He discusses how Villa can exploit Liverpool's defensive weaknesses and emphasizes the need for experience, suggesting Andy Robertson could stabilize the defense. The crew also debates Chelsea's upcoming clash with Tottenham, weighing their attacking options and predicting a potential win. Additionally, they analyze the controversial reaction of Vini Jr during El Clasico, pondering the implications for Real Madrid.
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Paper Squad, Real Performance Gap
- Liverpool still have strong individual players on paper but their form and confidence are the main problems.
- Craig Burley and Stevie Nicol argue the squad looks good on paper yet fails to deliver cohesion on the pitch.
Reinstate Trusted Partnerships
- Consider restoring experienced combinations like Robertson and Van Dijk to rebuild cohesion and reduce defensive errors.
- Stevie Nicol and Craig Burley recommend selecting tried partnerships over unproven form to stabilise performances.
Press Failures Invite Counters
- Aston Villa can play out from the back and exploit Liverpool's half-hearted press and spaces between midfield and defence.
- Craig Burley warns Liverpool's weak middle and back four leave them vulnerable to Villa counters who can beat their press.