Gerard Houllier could be in attendance on Sunday as Aston Villa entertain his former employers Liverpool.
Villa target top half as Reds hope to sneak into the Europa League
Gerard Houllier could be in attendance on Sunday as Aston Villa entertain his former employers Liverpool.
The Villa boss is still recovering from the heart scare he suffered earlier in the season but is reportedly keen to prove that he is on the mend.
His presence would offer a timely boost to the Villans, with uncertainty continuing to reign regarding their managerial post.
Houllier's future is an issue for the summer, though, with it still possible for Villa to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.
That would represent some achievement for a club that looked like being dragged into a relegation battle at one stage.
Their ability to get goals has helped to steer them clear of trouble, with the target found in 15 of their last 16 games.
They have, however, won only one of their last 18 games against Liverpool and have not won on home soil against the Reds since February 1998.
Worryingly for Villa, they have also thrown away more points from winning positions this season (26) than any other side in the top flight.
Liverpool will be looking to steal a few more away from Villa Park on the final day of the season, and possibly sneak into the top five.
A fifth-placed finish would see them into next season's Europa League, but they need Tottenham to drop points at home to Birmingham if they are to secure qualification for continental competition.
A seven-match unbeaten run in final day fixtures bodes well for the Reds, with their last defeat at this stage of the season coming against Chelsea in 2003.
There is the promise of plenty of entertainment in their final outing of the 2010/11 campaign, with their last three away games producing a total of 12 goals.
Team news
Caretaker manager Gary McAllister has no fresh injury worries to contend with as Villa look to finish as the leading club in the Midlands.
They are currently one point adrift of West Brom, who visit Newcastle.
Record signing Darren Bent will be looking to take his Villa goal tally into double figures after netting nine in 15 games since his switch from Sunderland in January which could ultimately cost the club £24million.
Jean Makoun (calf) is the only senior star currently unavailable to McAllister.
Liverpool will once again be without skipper Steven Gerrard, who is nursing a groin injury.
Milan Jovanovic (knee), Martin Kelly (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (knee) will also be missing for the Reds.
Fabio Aurelio could return after shaking off a thigh problem, but his participation remains in doubt.
Should Martin Skrtel complete a full 90 minutes at Villa Park, he will end the campaign having played every minute of Liverpool's 38 Premier League fixtures.
Possible starting XIs
Aston Villa: Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, L Young, Downing, Reo-Coker, Delph, Petrov, A Young, Bent.
Liverpool: Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Kuyt, Spearing, Lucas, Maxi, Suarez, Carroll.
