Mascherano returns for the Reds

Aston Villa’s latest signing James Milner had to be content with a place on the bench for the home clash with Liverpool in the Premier League.

Gareth Barry, a summer-long target for Liverpool, switched from left-back into the Villa midfield as Nicky Shorey returned from a medial ligament injury.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano returned after being on Olympic duty with Argentina and he took the place of Steven Gerrard who has undergone groin surgery.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Laursen, Davies, Shorey, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, Ashley Young, Carew, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Guzan, Milner, Harewood, Knight, Salifou, Routledge, Gardner.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Keane, Torres.

Subs: Cavalieri, Agger, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Ngog, El Zhar.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)