HOULLIER EXPECTING EXCITING MATCH

Liverpool gaffer Gerard Houllier is expecting an open encounter at Ewood Park.

"I think the players of both clubs will be up for it. It will be like another derby," he said.

"They have two former Liverpool players and a former Liverpool manager. I'm sure it will be an exciting match."

However, the Reds boss is surprised to be facing at least one ex-Anfield favourite.

"I was surprised Markus Babbel could play in Blackburn's last match," he said.

"In fact, it stunned me because I thought he still had two games of a suspension left when he joined Blackburn. He had a four-game ban, but because we played Everton early he was available for Blackburn."

Houllier will be without Chris Kirkland, which opens the way for Patrice Luzi to deputise for Jerzy Dudek.

Should the Polish keeper suffer any knocks, the Reds will be considering bringing in more goal-keeper cover.

"Chris will be out for a minimum of four to six weeks," Houllier said.

"Stephane played against Russia but his ankle is still sore. But Igor played very well against Everton. I told him his chance would come and now it has."