Defender Daniel Agger (metatarsal) is Liverpool's only certain absentee for Monday's home game with Aston Villa.

Steve Finnan and Javier Mascherano might return after missing out on the midweek FA Cup game and Martin Skrtel could get his first squad call-up.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Stuart Taylor is poised to make only his third league start of the campaign, replacing on-loan Liverpool keeper Scott Carson.

Gareth Barry is an injury doubt after suffering a bruised pelvis in training.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Hyypia, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Kewell, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Crouch, Itandje, Lucas.

Aston Villa (from): Taylor, Sorensen, Mellberg, Laursen, Davies, Knight, Bouma, Petrov, Gardner, Barry, Reo-Coker, Berger, Young, Carew, Agbonlahor, Moore, Harewood, Maloney, Salifou.