10.01.2003 - GH: Tomorrow's game is 'massive'
Gerard Houllier this afternoon descibed tomorrow's Premiership match with Aston Villa as a 'massive' game, as Liverpool aim to put a long run of league games without a win behind them.
In a pres conference ahead of the game, Houllier said: "It stands as a massive game, probably more massive then it should be at this stage of the season, mainly because we're desperate for a win."
The Reds' boss is likely to hand Michael Owen a place in the starting line up, while Emile Heskey should recover from a slight ankle injury in time to make the squad, though Neil Mellor could be dropped to the bench despite his recent run of good performances.
Whether Mellor plays tomorrow or not though, the 20-year old has done enough during his recent first team appearances to impress his manager.
"He's a very good lad, a good player, a good prospect for the future and so far hes done very well," Houllier said.
There was also an indication by the Frenchman that there will be players leaving during the January transfer window, which may well be to raise cash to being in one or two new players before the end of the month.
"We may have players leaving us, either on loan or permanently and we need time to sort that out."
However, no clues were given to who those players may be.
But for tomorrow's match, asgainst an Aston Villa side who have taken fewer away points than any other club in the country, Gerard will have almost a full strength squad to choose from, with Didi Hamann the only major absentee.
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