And speaking in similar terms to the match against Spartak Moscow at Anfield, Houllier says as well as being a must win situation, it's also a 'will win' one.
He said: "When this team wants and desires something they get it.
"That's just the way it is; it's how I see it; it's a reality.
"When this team wants and desires something, it can be awesome. This is a will-win game. We mean business. In many ways it could be the shortest team-talk I've ever had to give.
"That's not a bold statement. It doesn't mean we are writing off Basel, but it means we will give our best and we are coming off the back of a defeat which is never a good time to cross us.
"I sense from the squad now it is a case of 'let's move on' after Middlesbrough. As Arsenal know, it is very difficult to get an away win in Europe, but our record of doing just that is very good.
"We know what to expect from the Swiss, what the atmosphere will be like and what their strengths are. We respect them despite what the Swiss Press have been saying all the time, that we are arrogant and complacent and have written them off.
"That shows they are either trying to motivate their team or they have problems disguising their fear."