Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says he hopes his side can improve on their 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa last season when the two teams meet at Anfield tonight.

Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick, and goals from Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera gave the Reds and impressive victory back in March as they continued their pursuit on the Premier League title.

And after beating Stoke City 4-0 at home last Wednesday, Benitez is hoping his players can keep up their rich scoring form.

“We have played some very good games,” he said. “Villa last season was very good, scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet, with a high tempo and lots of pressing. But I would like to play a little bit better. We were in a very good moment when we beat them and, while I am not saying this to be arrogant, but I think we can improve on that game.

“For tonight, it depends on the players, if from the beginning they can play with a high tempo. But we need to remember that Aston Villa are a very good team who play on the counter attack.”

Liverpool vs Aston Villa gets underway at 8pm. Stay tuned to This Is Anfield throughout the day for the latest team news.