Wanderers number one Jussi Jaaskelainen was looking forward to today's New Year clash with Liverpool more than most.

The Finn has admitted he used to follow the Merseysiders when he was growing up and he believes that Phil Thompson's team are the favourites to win the Premiership this season.

He's also looking forward to facing Europe's best player - Michael Owen.

"In my mind Liverpool are the main contenders for the Premiership title along with Manchester United so we know we're going to be in for a tough game," said Jaaskelainen.

"When I was younger I used to follow Liverpool quite a lot back in Finland. I know all about their history and the reputation that Anfield has in English football.

"I've never played there before and it's certainly going to be a proud day for me when I take the field.

"They have a lot of world class players and of course the European Footballer of the Year in Michael Owen. Michael deserved the award because he's had a great year at both club and international level.

"I just hope he has a bad day against us!"

Jaaskelainen believes that Wanderers need a home win soon. And to do that they have to start hitting the back of the net. The Finn is concerned at that but delighted to hear striker Michael Ricketts - the one man who has been hitting the target - is staying at Bolton.

"We haven't had a Premiership win at the Reebok since the first month of the season when we beat Liverpool," he added.

"We're desperate to get another win under our belts because I think we've been very unlucky at times.

"We're still creating lots of chances but not enough of them are finding the target at the moment and that needs to change.

"It was great to hear Michael (Ricketts) has signed a new deal and hopefully he'll be marking that with a few goals.

"We still need goals from other players too, though, because we can't just rely on one person to find the back of the net."