Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers knows his side will face a tough task against Aston Villa and Christian Benteke on Saturday.
Liverpool travel to Villa Park for the Premier League fixture on the back of an impressive 1-0 win against Stoke City in their opener last week.
But Rodgers feels they will have their hands full trying to stop a young Villa side that have also started well.
Paul Lambert's men won 3-1 at Arsenal on the opening day, and were unlucky to suffer a narrow 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.
Benteke scored three goals in those two matches and was a thorn in the side of Liverpool last term.
The Belgium international - who handed in a transfer request during the close-season before revoking it - scored three times in the two Premier League fixtures against Liverpool in the 2012-13 campaign.
And Rodgers has warned his defence to be wary of the threat posed by the 22-year-old, as well as his team-mates, this time around.
The Northern Irishman said on Thursday "There's no doubt Christian Benteke is the reference point for the Aston Villa - the ball goes up to him and he holds it up well. He's a big, powerful boy.”
"I very much expect for them to have a very good season.
"They are very much a counter-attacking team that set up to defend half a pitch and then break out with the pace of Agbonlahor , Benteke in particular and young Andreas Weimann on the side.
"But our focus is really on our own game. We know the form we're in and with the mentality and confidence of the players it should be a really good game."
Liverpool were excellent in their win against Stoke and should have scored more goals, but were denied by the woodwork twice and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on several occasions.
Daniel Sturridge scored Liverpool's goal from 20 yards and was particularly impressive, as was Philippe Coutinho and Iago Aspas in the continued absence of the suspended Luis Suarez, who is sidelined for a further five matches.
Liverpool are only missing defender Sebastian Coates (knee) due to injury and are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League matches.
Villa felt unfortunate not to have won at least a point at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, with Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic - who headed the winner with 17 minutes left - only given a yellow card after catching Benteke with a flailing arm.
They also had a late appeal for a penalty turned down despite John Terry appearing to handle the ball.
It was another impressive performance from Lambert's side though, with Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood catching the eye in midfield and Benteke's superb form in front of goal continuing.
Midfielder Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) remains on the sidelines for Villa, who are also sweating on the fitness of Ciaran Clark (head), Nathan Baker (ankle) and Chris Herd (calf).
Recent history between the two sides is mixed, with both winning once against each other last term.
Villa stunned Liverpool at Anfield with a 3-1 win in December, but Rodgers' side responded with a 2-1 away win of their own in March.
source : http://www.nairacity..com/2013/08/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-on-saturday.html

i am a die hard liverpool fan but on this one i doubt if liverpool can win this aston team that nearly stun chelsea and sinked arsenal.. playing Aston Villa in their home, liverpool will not find it easy.. i fear for bredren rodgers' player.. A draw will be fair though. mod front page pls.. thank you

2nd to comment . ..

Anyway, I have 2 words - Ben-Teke!!!!!

3rd

NO QUALMS........UP MERSEYSIDE

we must win

In my opinion this kind of match would show whether liverpool can really fight for the top 4.

we have been dealing with them for the past fifteen year. Uncle gerrard has scored eleven goals against them. They have won just six of their last 32 home games. We will only compound their woes. 'you will never walk alone' kop forever

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high And don’t be afraid of the dark At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky And the sweet, silver song of a lark Walk on through the wind Walk on through the rain Though your dreams be tossed and blown Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you’ll never walk alone You’ll never walk alone Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you’ll never walk alone You’ll never walk alone

Aston Villa nor get luck o!!

Starting the season with TOP Sides!!? Arsenal.. Chelsea.. Now Liverpool!!

We Are Killing 'em Anyway!!
#TeamLFC

C'mon liverpool let's get 3 points. Aston villa hav got benteke we've got coutinho, sturridge, gerrard, lucas, mignolet, aspas.. YNWA

Match prediction: ASV 2 - 1 LIV
Though a stern contest, I predict a resurgent Villa side after the defeat at Stamford bridge.

This match is going to be the first litmus test of the season for the merseysiders. Aston Villa looks very spirited this season. Benteke remains a player to watch. However, I see Liverpool leaving the pitch a better team at the end of the day.

Guys to be candid , Aston villa has improved and rodgers should be wary of the duo - benteke and agbolahan. Beating aston villa on their soil will depict whether we are serious about top 4 considering the fact that we will play manchester united next week sunday. This match is gonna be a cracker

Aston Villa is a side I admire, superb on the brake, after watching there energetic n spirited performance against arsenal and chelsea in a matter of days, I don't see them having that same energy in this fixture
My prediction
Aston villa 2-2 Liverpool

sure win.. c'mon you mighty reds..YNWA.. how about getting the Liverpool thread back on guys?

Liverpool will carry the day...its sure gonna be an interesting match...

I can see us beating them, if we can score an early goal and keep Benteke quiet. We did it at their home last season, we can do it again. Aston Villa 0 v 2 LFC. #TeamLFC

Aston Villa 2 - 1 Liverpool.





Thank me later.

its really important Liverpool keep winning games at early stage, and this shouldn't be an exception. ynwa!

When suarez comes back,then we cn talk
18+ only,read www.writerstab.

#LFC#..DIZ MATCH IZ A MUST WIN.....MEHN KAN'T WAIT 4 KICK_OFF

Oziddy: we must win

Let's turn Villa Park to an annex of Anfield. Though I'm scared of Christian Benteke. Dude is a monster.

I see Liverpool having the upper hand. What with the energy-sapping game the Villains played against Chelsea just 3 days ago. Also in Kolo Toure, we now have a big defender who won't be bullied by Benteke like he did last season. Come On You Reds. Let's get another 3 points in the bag.

raynold: sure win.. c'mon you mighty reds..YNWA.. how about getting the Liverpool thread back on guys?

@ your service bro...

https://www.nairaland.com/1410279/anfield

Guys! I want to stay very positive though I'm a lil' scared.

This match is gonna be a major determinant on how we'll fare this season. We can either catch flames or get colder...

Nevertheless, YWNA still!!!


https://www.nairaland.com/1410279/anfield

tough match indeed, am not scared anyway. 3points is assured. Ynwa! Walk On lads. Pls ul diz liverpuldians add me up on facebook, got somthn 4yu ul... #Nony O'chopet# username

up liverpool. I just pray we win

Glorified_Tunde:

@ your service bro...

https://www.nairaland.com/1410279/anfield

Me too "YNWA"

game on