With Aston Villa having turned a corner in recent weeks, new manager Steven Gerrard may be reluctant to make too many significant changes ahead of his side's contest against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Villans came from behind to beat Leicester last weekend at Villa Park but head to Anfield today knowing that they will be coming up against one of the very best teams in the division.

While Gerrard could be tempted to stick with the same starting line-up which served him so well last week - and understandably so - he may want to consider unleash Danny Ings, especially if he's fit and available.

While Ings hasn't exactly enjoyed a barnstorming start to his own career at Villa Park, his inclusion in the starting XI could spark a fire up front.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared him to Robbie Keane for his "first-class" movement, while Ralph Hasenhuttl, his former boss at St Mary's, lauded his exploits as "unbelievable".

The £16m-rated striker enjoyed a decent campaign in the Premier League last term, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games - that followed up from his outstanding 2019/20 season when he bagged 22 goals and finished just behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy (23).

The 29-year-old got his Villa career off to the perfect start with two goals in his first two games, but goals have been far harder to come by since then, with his team's overall struggles not being the most ideal situation either.

However, if he is passed fit, then the chance to perform against one of his former clubs in Liverpool might just give him the bit between his teeth that he needs to really kick-start his life at Villa. He could well come back to haunt the Reds today if given the opportunity by his manager.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered a promising Aston Villa update...