Mark
Dec 18 2002, 05:23 PM
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is warning of a backlash from his side in their Worthington Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Liverpool have lost five of their last six games and travel to the Midlands before the crucial derby game against Everton on Sunday.
And Houllier is hoping the Worthington Cup can resurrect the club's dwindling season.
"All the teams I have put out in this competition this season have been strong but this one will go for the win," said Houllier.
"We are going for the win. Winning the Worthington Cup acted as a springboard for the rest of our season when we won the treble.
"The best preparation for the derby game is to play to our potential and unleash all our power."
Houllier will be without defensive midfielder Dietmar Hamann who is expected to be sidelined for up to a fortnight with a shin injury.
Emile Heskey has fully recovered from the ankle injury which ruled him out against Charlton.
Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin has scored in each round of the competition so far but he would rather win at the expense of that run.
"It's not really a big factor," he said. "I've just been on the end of what's been created in the earlier rounds.
"If I score again, it'll be great, as long as we win the game. That's what matters."
Villa defender Ronny Johnsen is manager Graham Taylor's only slight doubt as he has a virus.
Midfielder Ian Taylor is again ruled out with a thigh strain although he could be back in action for the weekend encounter at Chelsea.
Steve Staunton is set to skipper the side against his former club despite his sending-off against the Baggies after elbowing striker Danny Dichio.
Villa will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat by the Reds in the opening home Premiership game of the season.
Liverpool have lost five of their last six games and travel to the Midlands before the crucial derby game against Everton on Sunday.
And Houllier is hoping the Worthington Cup can resurrect the club's dwindling season.
"All the teams I have put out in this competition this season have been strong but this one will go for the win," said Houllier.
"We are going for the win. Winning the Worthington Cup acted as a springboard for the rest of our season when we won the treble.
"The best preparation for the derby game is to play to our potential and unleash all our power."
Houllier will be without defensive midfielder Dietmar Hamann who is expected to be sidelined for up to a fortnight with a shin injury.
Emile Heskey has fully recovered from the ankle injury which ruled him out against Charlton.
Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin has scored in each round of the competition so far but he would rather win at the expense of that run.
"It's not really a big factor," he said. "I've just been on the end of what's been created in the earlier rounds.
"If I score again, it'll be great, as long as we win the game. That's what matters."
Villa defender Ronny Johnsen is manager Graham Taylor's only slight doubt as he has a virus.
Midfielder Ian Taylor is again ruled out with a thigh strain although he could be back in action for the weekend encounter at Chelsea.
Steve Staunton is set to skipper the side against his former club despite his sending-off against the Baggies after elbowing striker Danny Dichio.
Villa will be looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat by the Reds in the opening home Premiership game of the season.