IT'S ONLY a few years since the visit of mighty Liverpool to Ewood was anticipated with a reverence once reserved for senior royalty or even some actor who had flickered briefly in Coronation Street.

Then came that championship season when fans weren't scared of anybody. Liverpool? United? Arsenal? "Wheel 'em in," was the cry from the Rovers' faithful.

It's all gone a bit pear-shaped since then. Until now!

Suddenly the Blue and Whites are flying high again while Liverpool are struggling and Saturday's head-to-head is confidently expected to pour more trouble on the hapless Scousers.

Certainly Roy of the Rovers Hodgson won't be doing his old mate Roy Evans any favours!

Liverpool have suffered a crisis of confidence in the opening two games of the season, picking up just one point.

Rovers, on the other hand, currently head the Premiership having scored five and they have yet to concede a goal.

But Hodgson is wary about making too many early judgments. He told me: "All right, so Liverpool haven't won any games but we've only played two! The season is a marathon, so you can't write off any teams after just two games."

Hodgson is also making sure no one gets too excited about Rovers' remarkable start to the season.

"Better a good start than a bad one but, as the proverb goes, 'one swallow doesn't make a summer'," he said.

"We still have a lot of work to do and everyone has to keep their feet on the ground."

Wise words especially as Liverpool will be able to welcome Robbie Fowler, Patrik Berger and Oyvind Leonhardsen into the side for the first time this season.

For Rovers, Stephane Henchoz is doubtful after picking up a groin strain last week and George Donis is a definite non-starter with a hamstring injury.

Rovers' new boss has been quick to scotch rumours suggesting he is going in to rescue Mark Kennedy and Steve Harkness from their Liverpool nightmares.

Widespread speculation had linked him to numerous defenders following the inevitable departure of Graeme Le Saux and last week's shock move which took Henning Berg to Manchester United.

Hodgson said: "There is no truth in the reports linking me with Mark Kennedy and Steve Harkness. I have money to spend but will only spend it on players I think will be of benefit to Blackburn Rovers."

Rovers are also at home on Monday when Sheffield Wednesday arrive at Fortress Ewood in the knowledge skipper Tim Sherwood will be available for the first time this season.

Wednesday have yet to accumulate any points this season and memories of Rovers' 4-0 thumping of the steel city side will still be fresh for both sets of fans.

Hodgson, however, is determined to make sure all memories of last season are eradicated.

He said: "Last season is already in the past. I would be delighted with any victory over over Sheffield Wednesday who are a very difficult team to beat."

Wednesday boss David pleat is expected to make wholesale changes to the side which lost 3-1 to Leeds last week.

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