Brendan Rodgers makes three changes to his Liverpool starting XI for this afternoon's FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa at Wembley.

Steven Gerrard captains the Reds, having returned from a three-game suspension - and the 34-year-old comes into the side to replace Lucas Leiva.

Martin Skrtel also returns from a spell out of the team due to suspension, retaining his place in the side as Glen Johnson comes out of the line-up.

Lazar Markovic will play from the start in the showpiece clash against Tim Sherwood's charges, with Jordon Ibe making way for the Serbian.

Forwards Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli all take their place on the substitutes' bench for the 3pm BST kick-off at the national stadium.

Liverpool's XI: Mignolet, Lovren, Skrtel, Can, Moreno, Gerrard, Henderson, Allen, Coutinho, Sterling, Markovic.

Substitutes: Jones, Johnson, Toure, Lambert, Manquillo, Borini, Balotelli.

[SLIDESHOW]