Houllier: European experience will be vital

The latest Merseyside derby has been billed as the most important meeting between the two sides for msny years and Houllier is expecting an intimidating atmosphere. Houllier, though, believes his players thrive under such conditions.

Houllier said: "The referee plays an important part in the derby. It can be over the top and it can be very physical and committed.

"You need to keep your focus in games like this. I think the experience of playing in Europe will help us in this situation. We have played in many cauldrons and played well.

"We know what we have got to do and we will go for it. We will show the same passion we do in every match. The players know the importance of the game."