[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool play their first Premiership game in two weeks, while Villa are hoping to bounce back from the midweek defeat to Arsenal.

The Reds lost third place to Arsenal on Wednesday and Rafa Benitez will be keen to see his side keep up their chase for a top-four finish at Villa Park.

Liverpool make the trip to Villa without Peter Crouch as he recovers from surgery on his broken nose.

Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt are expected to lead the attack in the absence of Crouch.

Benitez could freshen up his side by giving Javier Mascherano a chance in midfield as he prepares for next month's UEFA Champions League quarter-final with PSV Eindhoven.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill could include former Reds favourite Patrik Berger in the starting line-up after he impressed as a substitute against Arsenal.

Martin Laursen is pushing for a recall to the side having recovered from an ankle problem.

Chris Sutton is still missing with an eye problem and Shaun Maloney is doubtful because of illness.

Source: Skysports