The Liverpool manager himself, though, has insisted that he will not begin preparations for the crucial meeting with Manchester United until the Reds UEFA Cup game is completed.
Houllier said: "The players take the games as they come along. They don't function by looking further ahead and I know when they take to the field on Thursday night that they won't have any thoughts about our game at the weekend. We will play this game and then fly back and start preparing for the United match.
"It is a big week for us but than practically every week since I have been here has been a big week for the club. When you are at a club that wants to win things you know you will be faced with a lot of important matches.
"We have two big games ahead of us and the players have shown with their recent performances that they are ready for the challenges which lie ahead.
"The players know they have to give their best in every game they play and I know if we play to our strengths and if we perform then we will get results from these next two matches."
