Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel admits they have extra motivation to beat Aston Villa.

The game will see Stewart Downing return to the Midlands and the winger of course scored the goal that beat Liverpool for Villa in the final game of 2010-11.

Skrtel told liverpoolfc.tv: "It will be a special game for Stewart going back to his former club. He did very well at Villa and I'm sure he will get a good welcome.

"He scored against us in the final game of last season so it would be great if he could do that again for us this time.

"We have a lot of games around Christmas which is a very important period for us. There are a lot of points to play for and we need to get as many wins as we can, starting with Villa.

"They are not an easy side to play against. You always get a difficult game at Aston Villa but we will be up for the fight and do everything we can to get the three points."