Aston Villa v Liverpool preview

Catch Aston Villa v Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1

Last updated: 31st August 2008

Gareth Barry

Barry: Centre of attention

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1

SKY BET odds: Aston Villa 2/1, Draw 9/4, Liverpool 11/8

One to Watch: Gareth Barry

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All eyes will be on Gareth Barry when Aston Villa play host to Liverpool on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

The transfer saga involving Barry's on-off move to Liverpool finally came to an end earlier this week after the England international's agent announced the player would be staying at Villa Park.

The drama surrounding Barry is sure to add spice to the game with no love lost between Martin O'Neill and Rafa Benitez over the drawn-out affair.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 visits to play the Villans and they will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Premier League, while Villa will be determined to bounce back from last weekend's reverse to Stoke.

But the Reds make the trip to Villa Park without skipper Steven Gerrard through injury.

Gerrard has been ruled out as he requires a groin operation, but Benitez welcomes back Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva after their Olympics involvement.

Mascherano is set to get the nod to partner Xabi Alonso in midfield in the absence of Gerrard.

Liverpool still have a doubt over defender Sami Hyypia, who is recovering from a hamstring problem.

Benitez could decide to freshen up his pack after they were taken to extra-time in their UEFA Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege.

Ryan Babel is pushing for a place in the starting line-up after making two substitute appearances in the last couple of games.

Villa team news

Villa had the luxury of resting a number of their top stars against FH Hafnarfjordur and the likes of Ashley Young, John Carew, Martin Laursen, Stiliyan Petrov and Luke Young are all expected to return to the starting XI.

Nicky Shorey is expected to shake off a minor shock to play after he missed the draw with FH Hafnarfjordur.

Carlos Cuellar is in line to make his belated Villa debut after recovering from a calf problem, but fellow new signing Steve Sidwell is still sidelined with a calf injury of his own.

Possible starting XIs

Aston Villa: Friedel, L Young, Davies, Laursen, Shorey, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Barry, Young, Carew, Agbonlahor.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena, Kuyt, Mascherano, Alonso, Babel, Keane, Torres.