Aston Villa v Liverpool

Posted Saturday, February 13, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

The Villans gave their survival prospects a big boost after recording a 2-0 victory over Norwich City last weekend, the win lifting them to within four points of 19th-placed Sunderland.

Liverpool, meanwhile, lost further ground on the Champions League qualification spots after being held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at Anfield last Saturday. And the Reds were dealt another setback in midweek as they lost out to West Ham United in a FA Cup fourth round replay.

On the team news front, Aston Villa have a number of injury problems to contend with.

Rudy Gestede and Carlos Sanchez (both hamstring) face late fitness tests, but young midfielder Jack Grealish will play no part in the fixture after picking up an ankle injury training.

Alan Hutton returns to contention, while Jordan Ayew is ruled out through suspension.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has a welcome selection headache after Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho all returned from injury in the defeat to West Ham.

Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Joe Allen miss out through injury, but Steven Caulker is back in contention after returning to full fitness.

Commenting on the returns of Sturridge and Origi, Klopp said: "It is the first time I've had this problem - usually anyone who could walk or stand up in a morning played! Now we have the situation where hopefully we have to make some decisions.

"Daniel Sturridge feels good. We have to think about how we can manage the minutes but he made a big step in the last week and that is good."