Luis Suarez back for Liverpool; Aston Villa without Darren Bent at Anfield

The Uruguayan striker served a one-match ban against West Ham United and should go straight back into Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up.

Jose Enrique is a major doubt after limping out of the win over West Ham with a hamstring strain and his absence could see Joe Cole handed a first Premier League start of the season.

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has been ruled out of the trip to Anfield with a hamstring injury and will miss the entire festive programme.

Midfielder Ashley Westwood is available after being cup-tied for the midweek Capital One Cup quarter-final success at Norwich.

Defenders Joe Bennett and Enda Stevens are back in contention after recovering from knee and ankle injuries respectively and returning to training.