Downing can shine on Villa return

It's written for Stewart Downing to get the winner at Villa Park this Sunday, writes Kop legend John Aldridge.

The winger has been unfortunate so far this season. He hasn't scored or created a goal for us and is due some luck.

Downing had his best 45 minutes for Liverpool in the first half against QPR.

He will have an extra incentive against his old club and it all points to him getting on the scoresheet - just like he did when the clubs last met at Villa Park back in May.

Villa's home form hasn't been great. I watched them against Manchester United and they were ordinary.

We'll go there with confidence and it's a winnable game for us.

Liverpool might have problems scoring goals but defensively we are looking very strong. No-one in the Premier League has conceded less.

We've only let in 13 in 15 league games and four of them were at Tottenham.

At the moment Martin Skrtel is in the best form of his Liverpool career and Daniel Agger is doing well and staying fit.

With Jamie Carragher waiting in the wings and Sebastian Coates showing his potential, we have real depth in that department.

I saw something after the game on Saturday that typifies Carra. He was on the pitch with one of the fitness coaches putting in a proper session. Being out of the side will be difficult for him. He'll be itching to get back in but he knows the score.

Carra has to be patient and when the next opportunity arises I'm sure he will take it.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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