Squad sheets: Aston Villa v Liverpool

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 Y 26, R 1, 3.38 cards per game Odds Aston Villa 17-5 Liverpool 10-11 Draw 5-2 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