Liverpool v Aston Villa: Lineups and Match Thread

Aston Villa are set to take on Liverpool without Gabby Agbonlahor, who has once again picked up a "little niggle." Ron Vlaar and Darren Bent remain hurt, but Joe Bennett returns to the bench, thank goodness. As for Stephen Ireland, well, no idea. (Oh, just heard -- he's out with a bug).

In happy news, Stewart Downing is starting at left back, so that should be positively delightful. Let's hope Christian Benteke turns him inside out.

Liverpool Starting XI: Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Stewart Downing, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen, Steven Gerrard, Jonjo Shelvey, Raheem Sterling, Luis Suarez.

Liverpool substitutes (from): Brad Jones, Jordan Henderson, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Sebastián Coates, Suso, Andre Wisdom

Aston Villa Starting XI: Brad Guzan, Matthew Lowton, Nathan Baker, Ciaran Clark [c], Eric Lichaj, Brett Holman, Ashley Westwood, Barry Bannan, Chris Herd, Andreas Weimann, Christian Benteke.

Villa substitutes (from): Shay Given, Jordan Bowery, Karim El Ahmadi, Charles N'Zogbia, Joe Bennett, Fabian Delph, Marc Albrighton