Skrtel back for 'Pool

Martin Skrtel returned to Liverpool’s defence in place of teenager Daniel Ayala, having recovered sufficiently from a jaw injury for the clash against Aston Villa at Anfield.

This was the only change to the Liverpool side from the one that beat Stoke at home last week, with new Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos not part of the squad.

Villa were able to name Curtis Davies, who had recovered from a shoulder injury.

Brad Friedel, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Stiliyan Petrov all returned to the side after being rested in the Europa League defeat at Rapid Vienna last week, with Emile Heskey, Bradley Guzan and Craig Gardner dropping to the bench.