Premiership title is not a dream, insists Houllier
The dream to wrestle the Premiership title from favourites Arsenal will be put to the test tomorrow when Chelsea are next into the Anfield cauldron.
And although the obvious claims and talents of the Gunners are accepted and respected by Liverpool, there is a wry smile for anyone who suggests they are unstoppable and uncatchable.
Houllier said: "I can assure you that every player here has a dream, and they dream it every moment of their lives. They dream it every day on the training ground, they dream it with every match.
"The dream is that we will be champions. There's no doubt in my mind that we will give it everything, our very best shot, and we do not believe Arsenal are uncatchable," he said.
The fans, after seeing five blitzed past Spartak Moscow on the back of a 3-0 victory at Manchester City, will expect victory over Chelsea.
The Londoners are in the midst of a dreadful run which has seen them beaten in a derby by a Paolo di Canio-inspired West Ham, then knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Viking FK.
Houllier is confident his men in the long run can do something to stop another Highbury march to the title.
He said: "Arsenal's results are there for all to see, it's not luck.
"We accept in the dressing room that Arsenal are a great side, but it's early days and don't forget, we have made a good start to the season as well.
"We are still unbeaten, we have thrown away some silly points at home, and we are still only two points behind them, despite the fact that people seem to think that there's only one team in it for the title.
"I can understand that people think Arsenal are better than us, but we play differently, we have different attributes and we are getting better by the game."
Those attributes revolve around Houllier's desire to see his team fight for every patch of pitch as well as show their high-speed attacking policy.
Danny Murphy also insisted this week that Arsenal are not untouchable, a view team-mate Steven Gerrard agrees with.
He said: "People are going on about Arsenal and Manchester United. Our view is 'let them'.
"I don't believe either side are better than us, and nobody in our dressing room does.
"Arsenal are not going to run away with the title, we're not prepared to let that happen."
Houllier has almost an embarrassment of riches available for tomorrow. Michael Owen and Emile Heskey are back in the goals, while Milan Baros could not get in the team against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday, likewise Senegal hitman El Hadji Diouf.
In midfield, Salif Diao and Bruno Cheyrou, called up by France to face Malta and Slovenia later this month, have also both opened their scoring accounts for the club.
Houllier can shuffle around 10 players for the six midfield and forward positions, with a minimal difference to the end product.
They will be without Vladimir Smicer (toe) and Abel Xavier (virus), but could have Markus Babbel back.
Stephane Henchoz and Steven Gerrard should be available. Marcel Desailly is expected to return for Chelsea after missing the embarrassing UEFA Cup first-round exit against Viking Stavanger.
Desailly was ruled out of the second-leg tie by a hamstring strain, and the Blues also hope to welcome back Quique De Lucas and Celestine Babayaro from calf injuries.
Mario Melchiot is available after suspension and Albert Ferrer has recovered from a hamstring strain.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
