Benitez ponders defensive partner for Carra

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will choose between teenager Daniel Ayala, Slovakian Martin Skrtel and new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos to partner Jamie Carragher in defence against Aston Villa at Anfield tomorrow.

Skrtel is still in contention despite missing the midweek 4-0 win over Stoke with a fractured jaw.

Kyrgiakos, a £2m acquisition from AEK Athens, lacks match fitness, so Ayala could retain his place.

Liverpool provisional squad: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Ayala, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Dossena, Insua, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Voronin, Kuyt, Torres, Cavalieri, Spearing, Ngog, Kelly, Riera.