Match Preview: Aston Villa vs Liverpool

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.

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 visits 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.

Jose Enrique Rejecting Newcastle Talks To Force Liverpool Move

Jose Enrique could be on his way out of Newcastle United this summer if he refuses to sign a new contract, with Liverpool his top potential destination.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has said he wants the left-back to stay in the north-east if possible, but admitted it will be difficult to keep hold of the in-demand star - especially as he is currently refusing to discuss a new deal.

Enrique's contract is due to expire next summer, with both Liverpool and Lyon reportedly targeting the defender as a possible signing.

And Pardew admitted Newcastle may decide to cash in on the defender when the transfer window reopens - rather than having to let him leave on a free next year.

'The Enrique situation is something we talked about. How possible is it going to be to get him over the line?,' he said.

'It's difficult because we're finding it difficult to get him to come to the table. We're safe, which was what his people said that they would wait for.'

'It's now the last game, and once we get the last game out of the way we'll sit down and see where we are with it.

'We're very hopeful he stays but there's no point keeping a player who has set his sights on a club he has perceived is bigger. You can't keep a player that's unmotivated.'

Pardew added that there are 'one or two' other players at the club involved in similar situations.

Enrique joined Newcastle from Villarreal in August 2007 for a fee of £6.3 million. The highly-rated star has previously played for the Spanish U-21 side and is nicknamed 'The Bull'.

Liverpool Facing Huge Transfer Battle For £10 Striker Target

Liverpool striker target Gervinho is being monitored by 'huge' clubs in England, a French journalist has confirmed.

The Lille forward has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger thought to be keen on bringing the player to the Emirates.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to the sign the player at the current time, with the Daily Mail claiming today that Harry Redknapp is in strong pursuit of the £10 million Ivorian.

However, Liverpool has been linked with the player on several occasions, with claims in January that the Merseysiders approached the Ligue 1 over a move for the player.

"Huge English clubs are looking at Gervinho," French journalist Xavi Rivoire told talkSPORT.

Kenny Dalglish has sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in France, and the Liverpool boss is known to be in the market for another striker this summer.

Luis Suarez has been an instant success at Anfield after his arrival from Ajax in January, while Andy Carroll has shown promise despite limited opportunities since his £35 million move to Anfield.

A defender and winger are also thought to be on the agenda, with Dalglish and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli working together to bring transfer targets to the club.

Comolli is still thought to have connections in France, and that could be the key to Liverpool landing the coveted hitman.

Adam Not Thinking About Liverpool Switch

Charlie Adam insists his mind is focused on saving Blackpool from relegation rather than a potential summer move to Liverpool.

The talismanic midfielder has excelled this season and attracted interest from both Liverpool and Tottenham in the January transfer window.

A prospective switch away from Bloomfield Road never materialized and the 25-year-old has helped to give Blackpool a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.

The Scotland international only has a year to run on his current contract but he is adamant his sole focus is on Blackpool's trip to champions Manchester United on Sunday.

"I just want to focus on the next game, that is all I can do," he said in the Times. "The club will make the decisions about what it wants to do. It isn't down to me.

"I have got a year left on my contract so we will see what happens but all that matters now is getting the result that we need."

Blackpool currently occupies 18th place in the league table - only in the relegation zone on goal difference - and Adam feels the club can hold its head high, regardless of the result at Old Trafford.

"If we are good enough then we will stay in the Premier League," he said. "If not then we will at least know that we have given everything from the first game.

"But one thing's for sure, in the future people won't look back and say, 'Blackpool played some really good football but went down', they will look at the bare facts that we came up one season and down the next. In a way we are fighting for our reputation as much as our status."

Bolton Expect Gary Cahill Bidding War Between Spurs, Arsenal & Liverpool

Bolton bosses have privately hinted they will be entertaining bids from a number of clubs this summer for highly-rated centre-back Gary Cahill, with Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool, and even Manchester City expected to make offers.

Cahill has just one year remaining on his Trotters contract and looks increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal - leaving Owen Coyle with little choice but to offload him this close season.

Bolton chiefs have previously hinted they would listen to offers for the England defender - but had given no indication of whether they would sell.

However, recent reports of likely bids from several of the country's biggest and richest clubs - including high-rollers Manchester City, sleeping giants Liverpool, and north London rivals Spurs and Arsenal - have increased the chances of a bidding war.

As such, the Lancashire club believes the next few months could be the best chance they have of securing a deal worth more than their asking price of £17million - and will actively encourage offers.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is in desperate need of reinforcements at the back, as is newly installed Liverpool coach Kenny Dalglish.

However, both men may face stiff competition from City, who have a place in next season's Champions League and money to spend.

Finally, Spurs could also have something to say, with Harry Redknapp due to lose central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Sebastian Bassong amid the continuing injury problems of club captain Ledley King.

Dalglish Ready For Busy Summer

Kenny Dalglish is preparing to increase the momentum of Liverpool's summer recruitment drive.

The Anfield boss, who signed a three-year contract earlier in May after initially returning on a temporary basis as successor to Roy Hodgson in January, has reportedly been told that he has £50million to spend.

That money would in theory be used to improve Dalglish's squad to a standard capable of at least returning Liverpool to the Premier League's top four and Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique is thought to be one of many targets.

Having revitalised Liverpool since returning, Dalglish, and director of football Damien Comolli, has also been working behind the scenes to identify other players and he has confirmed preparations are well under way.

The Scot said: "The planning was going on any way, irrespective of who was coming in because you can't leave it until the last minute.

"For training and some of the pre-season matches, planning had to be done.

"If you're sitting in this chair you've got to make the decision about what you want to do and when you want to train.

"But regarding players, there's only one person who can decide that, and that's the manager.

"That's something we need to come to terms with and get our skates on with to make sure we get to the right players."

Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on the final day of the season knowing that they must better Tottenham's result against Birmingham to finish fifth and qualify for the Europa League.

But Dalglish will not be paying too much attention to events at White Hart Lane, as he said: "Everyone knows the results from most matches whether it's the first, last or middle game of the season, you know what's going on at most places.

"It'll be no different on Sunday but we'll concentrate on our own game and see if we get any favours from somewhere else."

Clarke Reveals Points Target

Steve Clarke has revealed how Liverpool is close to reaching their point’s target he set upon arriving at the club in January.

The Reds took just 25 points from their first 20 games of the season under Roy Hodgson.

Since Clarke and Kenny Dalglish were recruited in the New Year a more impressive 33 points have been wrung from 17 matches.

This leaves Liverpool on 58 points heading into a final weekend contest at Villa Park - just shy of Clarke's goal when he arrived on Merseyside.

"When I came here and looked at the league and how close it was, I thought it was achievable to finish in the top six," the first-team coach told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"You always have to set your goals high, and in my head I had a point’s total that I thought was achievable. I have to say we haven't achieved it yet - but it's still possible. If we get to that it will be a pleasing job we've done in the second half of the season.

"But a club like Liverpool should always have expectations to be as far up the table as possible."

Dalglish: Alberto Aquilani Is A Quality Player

Kenny Dalglish has opened the door for Alberto Aquilani to return to the Liverpool squad next season by declaring that the midfielder would be welcomed back to the club.

The Italian signed in 2009 to replace Xabi Alonso, who had moved to Real Madrid, but injuries and a lack of form limited him to a handful of appearances at Anfield and Roy Hodgson loaned him out to Juventus last summer.

The 26-year-old, who has scored twice in 36 appearances for the Serie A side, was expected to make his move to Turin permanent but the club has not made a bid which matches Liverpool’s valuation.

And newly confirmed manager Dalglish has said that the player would be a welcome addition to his squad for next season.

"There's a distinct possibility he could be back here. He's a quality player," he told reporters.

"He got off to a bad start here with his injuries and never really got going after missing preseason.

"He went out on loan and has done very well over there. If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in."

Dalglish has confirmed that the club's owner, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has given him money to spend this summer and the Scot is determined to spend it on quality players, in the mold of Luis Suarez who has been a massive hit since joining in January.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest caliber, because the players here have done really well since January," said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level.

"We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask."

Dalglish has insisted that players on the periphery of the team will stay unless the club receives a suitable offer.

He added: "They are still our players unless someone comes and takes them away from us.

"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan.

"They'll assess where they've been and the other club will assess them.

"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on those players but it may be dictated to be someone else making up their own mind.

"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."

Youngsters Delighted By Reds Visit

Liverpool U18s have continued to thrill the people on the Caribbean island of St Vincent after dropping in on four local schools on Friday morning.

Rodolfo Borrell and his 20-man squad held a Q & A session with star-struck pupils of CW Prescod Primary, Kingstown Preparatory, St Vincent Grammar and Thomas Saunders Secondary School before taking to the field to run some fun-filled training sessions.

The visit proved to be just as enjoyable for the Reds players as it was for the natives and midfielder Krisztian Adorjan told us he was delighted to take part.

"It was a really good experience and we all had a great time," said Adorjan.

"We gave the kids some kit and some footballs and we really hope they can put them to good use. They all love football and that really showed throughout the session."

Dalglish Won't Settle For Second Best

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish insists it will be "disrespectful'' to his current squad not to make top-quality signings in the summer but also did not rule out a return for some familiar faces.

Dalglish accepts there will be some movement in and out but he will not settle for anything less than the best in terms of new arrivals.

Less than a year ago the club were going through a tumultuous time with manager Rafael Benitez having left and the search for new owners still a few months away from completion.

Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett were trying to manage huge interest payments on loans they had taken out and new boss Roy Hodgson, having sold Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera and loaned out the likes of Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua, was unable to replace like-for-like in the transfer market.

The arrivals of Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen and Paul Konchesky, aged 30 and 29 at the time, did little to quell the growing feeling of concern at where things were heading at Anfield, although Raul Meireles has since turned out to be a decent signing.

But since Fenway Sports Group's buyout in October the future looks healthier both on the pitch and in terms of the bank balance and Dalglish has stressed the club will no longer settle for second-best when it comes to transfers.

"The people we'll be looking at are of the highest calibre, because the players here have done really well since January,'' said Dalglish.

"It would be disrespectful to them not for us not to be looking at a higher level. We've had a great end to the season. There will be lots of work done in the close season and we'll take it from there.

"Although it might affect them, players themselves expect new faces to come in and give the place a lift. It'll happen and they know it'll happen.

"If we get some quality people in to go along with the people already here that will help everyone - it always helps to freshen up the dressing room.

"But if we're bringing anyone in they've got to be better than what we've got - and that's going to be a big ask.''

And while Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli cast their nets far and wide in an attempt to secure the best players the manager revealed some solutions may lie closer to home.

One of the first things Hodgson did when he took over in July was trim the squad, with Aquilani, Insua, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar among those sent out on loan.

Aquilani's departure was the most high-profile, having arrived in a £17 million deal the previous summer, but the deadline for Juventus to sign the Italy international permanently has now passed with the Serie A side apparently unwilling to meet the club's valuation of the player.

Liverpool Move For £15m Wing Star Set To Go Ahead

Aston Villa are reportedly resigned to losing Ashley Young to either Liverpool or Manchester United this summer.

According to Metro, Villa are ready to pave the way for Young to seal a dream move at the end of the season after acknowledging that he won't sign a new contract.

The England winger has just one year remaining on his current deal, so Villa are preparing to cash in on the 25-year-old, rather than let him leave on a free transfer next June.

It was reported by The Guardian last week that Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are 'increasingly confident' of sealing a deal for the £15 million-rated midfielder, and Anfield now appears to be his most likely destination.

Liverpool has been linked with the former Watford man for several months, and Damien Comolli is understood to have been monitoring his progress with great interest.

The Liverpool director of football has previously stated that the Reds may move for Young, should he become available, and it now seems as though the Anfield club will get their wish at the end of the season.

Liverpool Ready £20 Million Offer For World Cup Winner

Kenny Dalglish has reportedly added another stellar name to his long list of potential summer recruits; that of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas.

Though Navas has been a one-club man for the entirety of his career since joining Sevilla's youth system at the tender age of 15, the Liverpool boss will be very keen to bring the 25 year-old to Anfield in the close season.

It is thought Dalglish has earmarked the eleven-cap Spain international as a perfect foil for his recently-acquired strike partnership of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

Despite suffering from chronic homesickness, Navas declared himself fit to travel to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup last summer, stating, "To play for your country is the greatest thing and I hope to be able to do so."

The three appearances he chalked up along Spain's successful campaign included a cameo appearance against the Netherlands in the final.

Although Navas has been largely hampered by injury throughout this current season, restricted to just 15 outings in La Liga, he was on hand to score a rare headed goal in Sevilla's 1-1 draw with Barcelona in March.

Should he make the decision to leave the club he has played for over 300 times, he would be welcomed with open arms at Liverpool. For a start, he would be reunited with Pepe Reina, his international teammate.

Diego Could Make His Long Awaited Move To Liverpool In June

Liverpool are preparing to table a summer bid for highly rated Wolfsburg playmaker Diego in a deal that has been labelled as the potential bargain of the summer according to The Sun.

The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been valued at €10million by the Bundesliga outfit, as Diego looks set to depart Germany after a solitary season.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to add more creativity to the Liverpool midfield, after finding his side struggle to break teams down at times this season.

With the January additions of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, Liverpool now have a potent strikeforce, but often lack the cutting edge to service their front line.

Diego has been linked with a move to Anfield before, but at the time Wolfsburg's €15million price tag was considered too high.

Now under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool carry more weight in the transfer market, as they prepare to further strengthen the Reds’ squad.

Having snubbed a place on the Wolfsburg bench for last weekend's game against Hoffenheim, newly installed coach Felix Magath has given up hope of retaining Diego's services, and as a result has slashed his asking price accordingly.

"If a club wants to sign Diego, they need to get in touch with us," Magath told German newspaper Bild.

The Brazilian international is set to be hit with a hefty fine for his latest antics, but despite that, Magath insisted nothing concrete will be decided on his future until the club speaks to the player.

"There is no new state of affair, no decision has been taken yet - neither one way or the other and there is plenty of time until pre-season to have a conversation with Diego."

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli has given the green light to proceed with negotiations that could see the exciting South American star make his long-awaited move to Anfield when the transfer window reopens in June.

Liverpool Seek Hazard Swap As Lille Move For Jovanovic

Lille is chasing Liverpool striker Milan Jovanovic.

The Daily Mail says Jovanovic has played his last game for Liverpool after undergoing an operation to remove a cyst in his knee.

The Serbian is recovering in Qatar and is wanted by French league leaders Lille.

He could be used as a makeweight in a potential deal for Eden Hazard.

Kenny: I Won't Spoil Skrtel Feat

Kenny Dalglish today spoke of how Martin Skrtel has grown in stature this season as the Slovakian prepares to complete a remarkable feat of playing in every minute of every Barclays Premier League match.

Just one other outfield player can boast such a record - Everton's Player of the Year Leighton Baines.

Dalglish told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Villa Park: "It's a fantastic achievement but we have to wait and see if he's playing on Sunday or not! No, I wouldn't like to spoil that perfect record.

"He's been fantastic this year and really grown in stature. He's been a real asset for us.

"He gets credit from the people who really matter - the people here. He wouldn't have played every game if not."

Liverpool travel south having seen their Europa League qualification hopes dashed by a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Dalglish has been impressed with the reaction of his players this week.

"I don't think they were too happy but they've got the chance to put that right on Sunday," said the Scot.

"Training has been good - it's always good. They are looking forward to the game but the disappointment should be there.

"There were some positive vibes that came out of the game on Sunday."

Liverpool needs to better the result gained by Tottenham at home to Birmingham to qualify for continental competition next term.

On how closely he will be following events from White Hart Lane, the boss added: "Everyone knows the results from most matches whether it's the first, last or middle game of the season. You know what's going on at most places.

"It'll be no different on Sunday but we'll concentrate on our own game and see if we get any favours from somewhere else."

Some have questioned how beneficial entry to the Europa League is for clubs such as Liverpool, with participation meaning most Barclays Premier League games are shifted to Sunday.

But Dalglish won't be drawn into a debate about the competition's value.

"The most important thing for us is to win the game on Sunday and see where it takes us," he said.

"If we're in the Europa League we're in it, if we're not we just have to get on with it."

On whether not being in the Europa League would harm our chances of developing youngsters or attractive players, Dalglish added: "Maybe a couple of your points are fair, but a couple of them don't make any difference.

"On developing young players, we're going into a competition next year that will help develop young players in Europe. That's not an issue."

Aston Villa has nothing but pride to play for on Sunday having secured their top-flight status despite a serious illness to their manager Gerard Houllier.

In his absence caretaker boss Gary McAllister has overseen some impressive results, including a victory against Arsenal last weekend.

Dalglish added: "The illness to Gerard doesn't help but they are both fantastic footballing people and they've done the most important thing - keeping Aston Villa in the Premier League.

"I'm sure Gary would much rather have Gerard in the role he was meant to be in when he went there, but fate took over. He's done well to keep them up.

"Villa had a fantastic result last week at the Emirates. It's their last home game and I'm sure they'll want to finish the season on a high. They'll be well up for the game."

Dalglish Would Welcome Aquilani

Kenny Dalglish has refused to rule out the possibility of Alberto Aquilani playing a part in Liverpool's revival.

The 26-year-old has been out on loan at Juventus this season having failed to impress since he was signed in the summer of 2009 for £17million.

However, Dalglish is a known admirer of the talented playmaker and it now seems more than likely he will return to Anfield for the new season.

Juventus have missed the deadline by which a deal for the Italy international should have been concluded and the Reds boss has stated he would welcome him back.

"There's a distinct possibility he could be back here. He's a quality player," he said.

"He got off to a bad start here with his injuries and never really got going after missing pre-season.

"He went out on loan and has done very well over there. If he was to come back here, for me that would be like a new face coming in."

As well as Aquilani, Emiliano Insua, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar will all return after being sent out on loan by former boss Roy Hodgson.

The reshaping of the Liverpool squad is further complicated by what to do with fringe players like Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic.

But Dalglish insists he will not make any rash decisions on players and that everyone will be judged on merit.

"They are still our players unless someone comes and takes them away from us," he added.

"We've got to assess what we need, and that includes the players who have been out on loan.

"They'll assess where they've been and the other club will assess them.

"Alberto is the highest profile but we've got decisions to make on those players but it may be dictated to by someone else making up their own mind.

"We've not had time to sit down and discuss the players who have been out on loan apart from Alberto."

Dalglish Happy Enough If Carroll Is Picked For U21s

Kenny Dalglish says he would have no problems if Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is called up by England for the forthcoming Under-21 European Championships.

Controversy has surrounded Stuart Pearce's squad selection for the summer tournament, with Arsene Wenger warning that Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere should not be picked - especially if Carroll, a player in a similar situation, is excused from action.

But Dalglish insists he has no problem with the £35 million striker being selected for the event, believing it to be part and parcel of international football.

He also paid tribute to Carroll's team-mate Jay Spearing, who is one name almost certain to be included in Pearce's final squad when it is named next week.

"We will wait and see if he [Carroll] is picked on Monday," Dalglish said. "At the moment Jay is in the squad and he's not had a mention.

"If he gets into the Under-21 squad it is a fantastic reward for what he's done.

"If any other of our players go then fine."

Dalglish also hopes midfielder Raul Meireles will be fit for the final game of the season, as the Reds face Aston Villa.

"He is training, so I think we should have him in and around the game for Sunday," the Scot added. "We won't take any chances, but we expect him to be fit."

Poulsen Sees His Future At Liverpool

Christian Poulsen says he is determined to stay at Liverpool and fight for his place, despite failing to hold down a first team place this season.

The Danish international midfielder was brought in by Roy Hodgson last summer, but weak performances has made him struggle to break into the first team – although he has made 21 appearances for the Reds.

Poulsen hasn’t been in action since the Reds went out of the Europa League to Braga in March.

He has been strongly rumoured to be one of the players on Kenny Dalglish‘s exit list this summer, but the 31-year-old believes there is a future for him at Anfield.

“Of course it’s been a difficult season for me,” he said. “I came under Roy Hodgson and halfway through the season he left but I have still had some good times here.

“I am feeling settled here with my family. I have three kids now and we had a baby in February who was born in Liverpool.

“What I miss of course is playing more but I hope the future will be brighter for me at Liverpool.

“I have two years of my contract left so yes I think my future will be here.”

Kenny Keeps Focus On Villa

Kenny Dalglish insists Liverpool will not be distracted by the events at White Hart Lane when they travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Reds are still battling Tottenham for a fifth-placed finish, and Europa League qualification, as the campaign reaches its conclusion this weekend.

Dalglish's side will leapfrog Spurs into fifth if they better their result against Birmingham, while Harry Redknapp's side will clinch the spot if they collect three points.

But the manager is adamant Liverpool's sole focus is on ending the season with a win, no matter what unfolds at The Lane.

"We want to end the season with a victory that would give us a chance of finishing as high up the table as possible," Dalglish told Liverpool's official website.

"That's always been our aim and as long as a higher position is attainable we'll continue to go for it.

"All we can do is concentrate on our own game and not worry about anyone else. We can't affect another team's results, so there is no point in worrying about it."

Dalglish admits the Reds could face a tough task at Villa after they clinched an unexpected 2-1 win at Arsenal last weekend.

"Our job involves getting maximum points at Villa Park," he added. "That's never an easy task and I'm sure it won't be this weekend.

"Villa had a terrific result away at Arsenal on Sunday - we know how difficult it is to travel to the Emirates.

"To go there and win 2-1 shows what Villa is capable of. We'll have to perform well if we are to get something from them on Sunday."

Clarke Still Has Manager Ambition

Steve Clarke admits he still has managerial ambitions - but claims a three-year contract working alongside Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool was too good to turn down.

The 47-year-old is one of the most respected coaches in the game, with former boss Jose Mourinho once saying, 'I think he is much, much better than many managers who are in charge of teams at the moment.'

Clarke made no secret of wanting to become a manager after leaving West Ham last summer - but that desire is now on hold after signing a long-term deal as first-team coach under Dalglish.

In a fascinating interview with Liverpoolfc.tv, Clarke said: "Circumstances dictate what happens in football. After I left West Ham at the end of last season I thought I would try my hand at management. Nothing came up in that short period - one or two possibilities but nothing concrete developed.

"Then I came here and I've enjoyed it. Working with Kenny I can improve myself as a coach and a person. I can learn a lot from Kenny as a manager, as I've done from previous managers I've worked with.

"My ambition to be a manager will never go away until I do it. But that's something for the future. For now it's to focus on the job at hand.

"It was a great moment to sign the contract. It's always nice when you get rewarded for doing a good job. It's good to settle everything down and have positive things to look forward to in the future.

"Obviously when you come to a place and you're on a short-term contract, you don't quite put down the roots you should because you're never quite sure if you're going to be there long-term. Now I've got a three-year contract I'll be looking to buy a place and settle down in the Liverpool area."