Hamann set to miss out

Liverpool are expecting to be without midfielder Dietmar Hamann for Sunday’s big Merseyside derby.

Hamann is struggling to recover from a shin injury and sat out his side’s midweek Worthington Cup triumph at Aston Villa.

Michael Owen was substituted after 75 minutes at Villa Park but boss Gerard Houllier revealed he had one eye on saving his striker for the Anfield showdown.

Jamie Carragher could come in for Markus Babbel at the back after Houllier admitted the German was still some way from full match fitness following his year on the sidelines through illness.

Provisional squad: Kirkland, Babbel, Hyypia, Henchoz, Carragher, Murphy, Gerrard, Riise, Owen, Heskey, Baros, Diouf, Diao, Smicer, Traore, Dudek, Biscan.