Hirvonen hasn't won since the season-opening Rally Sweden and will take heart from a successful test in Greece last month, when he managed extensive running.
Hirvonen is anxious to get his WRC career back on track following a frustrating 2010, but Latvala is on a high after finishing runner-up to Loeb in last season's final standings.
Ogier has won the last two rounds and his starting position of third on the road on Friday behind Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen could give him an edge as he looks to make it five career wins.