Aston Villa’s wantaway midfielder Gareth Barry is set to face Liverpool, who are without injured skipper Steven Gerrard, in the Premiership clash at Villa Park on Sunday.

England international Barry had made it clear he wanted to join the Reds earlier in the summer, but the Merseysiders could not come up with the required offer to sign the 27-year-old as Villa boss Martin O’Neill remained firm on the player’s valuation reported to be £18m.

Sunday being the final day of the summer transfer window, could also see hectic transfer activities especially around Villa.

Meanwhile, Reds boss Rafa Benitez is missing the services of midfield star Gerrard, who is recovering from a groin operation. Olympic stars Javier Mascherano and Lucas are back, and the former is likely to start in central midfield role.

With two wins in as many games, the Reds are currently equal on points with top-placed Chelsea, while Villa have three points from two games.

Teams:

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Cuellar, Davies, Shorey, Reo-Coker, Barry, Petrov, A Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Taylor, Knight, Harewood, Salifou, Routledge, Gardner, Osbourne, Delfouneso.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Dossena, Benayoun, Babel, Mascherano, Lucas, Plessis, Alonso, Kuyt, Torres, Keane, El Zhar, Cavalieri, Ngog, Agger, Spearing.