By Alan G
February 10 2006

Latics are still faced with a striker crisis for tomorrows match v Liverpool. Jason Roberts is suspended, Neil Mellor ineligible and David Connolly and Lee McCulloch both injured.

Henri Camara could be rushed into action after African Nations Cup duty, with Latics pulling out all the stops in an attempt to fly him back tonight, for an early night, to be fresh for the early kick-off.

Andreas Johansson may be used up-front again in the absence of recognized strikers.

Pascal Chimbonda is banned after picking up another booking against Bolton.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has recovered from a knee injury, but Peter Crouch is out with a heel injury.

Crouch's absence is likely to see Robbie Fowler make his first start since returning to the club.

Latics (from): Pollitt, Jackson, De Zeeuw, Henchoz, Teale, Johansson, Kavanagh, Mahon, Francis, Scharner, Thompson, Bullard, Baines, Ziegler, Camara, Walsh.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Kromkamp, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Riise, Warnock, Traore, Luis Garcia, Alonso, Hamann, Sissoko, Kewell, Morientes, Fowler, Cisse, Carson.

Paul Jewell:

"We're up against it, but we've worked on things this week and the players will be well briefed.  

"We're not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We will have 11 players out there who will be committed, and we will see what we get out of the game.  

"But we need everybody fit and available because we've injuries and a couple of suspensions."