Houllier expects fan support

While dissention in the supporting ranks is clearly growing following an abysmal start to a campaign once full of such promise, the French coach has full faith in the strength of support given to him from the stands.

Houllier said: "I know the crowd will play their part against Leeds. They understand the situation and that we have lost players with injuries who are not reserves.

"At Portsmouth we were without Michael Owen, Didi Hamann, Jamie Carragher, Milan Baros, Danny Murphy, Bruno Cheyrou and Salif Diao. That's seven international players and it is a big loss for us."

Back him... or sack him?