Aston Villa star Marvelous Nakamba has sent a clear message on Twitter ahead of his side’s Premier League match against Liverpool on Saturday.
Liverpool have been in outstanding form recently, winning their last four in the league and blowing away their competition in Champions League Group B.
However, Villa are also on a good run, triggered by the appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager.
Since the ex-Rangers boss arrived at Villa Park, the Birmingham club have taken nine points from a possible 12.
Nakamba has been key to that form.
The Zimbabwe international has been solid in a holding midfield role, playing the full 90 minutes in all three of Villa’s wins.
He’s really established himself in the side in recent times – winning the club’s November Player of the Month Award – and now a major test beckons at Anfield.
Judging by his social media activity, he intends to tackle it head-on.
Villa’s official Twitter account shared a photo of the 27-year-old in training on Thursday and he replied with a clear message.
“Ready for Saturday,” he wrote, followed by #UTV.
Villa’s defence will need his protection given they’re up against the most potent attack in the league and one area he needs to keep on top of is his discipline.
Nakamba has been yellow carded in three of his last four appearances, with all three cards coming within five minutes of the hour mark.
Liverpool would be big favourites at home against pretty much any team in the world right now, but perhaps on Steven Gerrard’s much-anticipated Anfield return, a much-improved midfielder will help him pull off an upset.
In other news, two West Ham stars and a Celtic player have made it into a Europa League group stage best XI.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
