This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

Stewart Downing, who scored the only goal of the game in the corresponding fixture at the end of last season, can expect a hostile reception from Aston Villa supporters on his return to his former club. The England winger has still to score for a Liverpool side that have lost only once in their last 10 league matches. With Jay Spearing suspended and Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva sidelined, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam are set to continue in central midfield. Villa, meanwhile, will be without the suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor. Stuart James

Venue Villa Park, Sunday 2.05pm

Tickets £26-47 (0800 612 0970)

Last season Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 0

Referee Peter Walton

This season's matches 8 Y26, R1, 3.38 cards per game

Odds Aston Villa 17-5 Liverpool 10-11 Draw 5-2

Aston Villa v Liverpool: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Aston Villa

Subs from Marshall, Delfouneso, Ireland, Clark, Weimann, Bannan, Delph, Cuéllar, Beye

Doubtful None

Injured Given (hamstring, Jan), Jenas (achilles, May), Lichaj (hip, unknown)

Suspended Agbonlahor (one match)

Form guide WLDLWD

Disciplinary record Y31 R1

Leading scorers Agbonlahor, Bent 5

Liverpool

Subs from Doni, Bellamy, Carroll, Kelly, Carragher, Aurélio, Coates, Wilson, Flanagan, Shelvey

Doubtful None

Injured Gerrard (ankle, 26 Dec), Lucas (knee, Aug)

Suspended Spearing (second match of three)

Form guide WLDWDW

Disciplinary record Y24 R3

Leading scorer Suárez 5

Match pointers

• Liverpool have gone 10 matches without conceding more than one goal – the longest current run in the top flight

• The hosts have dropped nine points from winning positions this season, only Blackburn (12) and West Bromwich Albion (11) have fared worse

• Liverpool have hit the woodwork on more occasions than any other team (15) and three more times than in the whole of last season

• Villa's win in this fixture last season was their first in 13 home league games against Liverpool. The visitors had won seven of the previous 12