Dirk Kuyt returns to the Liverpool starting line-up for tonight’s crunch Premier League clash away to Aston Villa in Rafa Benitez’s only change from the side that beat Wolves 2-0 on Boxingg Day.
The Dutch international was rested against Wolves and replaces Fabio Aurelio, with Yossi Benayoun expected to switch to the left of midfield.
There’s a second consecutive start for Alberto Aquilani, who keeps his place in midfield, with Javier Mascherano out suspended. Ryan Babel is recalled to the bench.
Villa make 2 changes to the side that lost to Arsenal, Ashley Young is suspended and Emile Heskey is injured. Reo-Coker and Carew come in for them, with Milner moving out to the right.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Aquilani, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.
Subs: Cavalieri, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Babel, Ngog, Spearing.
Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Cuellar, Dunne, Warnock, Reo-Coker, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Agbonlahor, Carew.
Subs: Guzan, Sidwell, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Delph, Beye, Collins.
Victory for Liverpool will move them up to seventh in the league table and to four points off fourth spot.
There’s light snow falling in Birmingham this evening with the temperature around 0°C.
Kick-off at Villa Park is 7.45pm and it’s live on Sky Sports (UK). Check our forums for a list of online streaming links.
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