Friday, September 11, 2015

Rodgers: Man Utd Vs Liverpool the biggest Premier League derby

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says his side's clash with Manchester United is the biggest derby game in the Premier League.

Both teams go into Saturday's clash at Old Trafford on the back of defeats with Rodgers's side losing to West Ham and United to Swansea City last time out.

And the Reds' boss believes victory over their rivals will give the Anfield outfit a psychological boost for the rest of the season.

"United is a huge club and will always be under scrutiny," he told reporters. "The intensity of this fixture is still there. The players will feel it.

"This is the biggest derby game in the history of this league. Winning a game like this can give you psychological boost."

Rodgers admitted that a lack of preparation following the international break is a concern but is confident his team can bounce back from their shock 3-0 home defeat to West Ham.

"We've had two tough games away from home [against Arsenal and Stoke City] and performed well in terms of our organisation. We also want to be really creative.

"It's a good opportunity for us on the back of a disappointment. It's a chance to put that behind us. The players are focused and we will be ready for it."

Rodgers confirmed Daniel Sturridge is not yet ready to return to match action, with captain Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana facing late fitness tests.

And the former Swansea boss also refused to single out defender Dejan Lovren after the centre-back made a crucial against the Irons.

"Sturridge returned to training but we've got no timeline on when he will play in games. We'll see about Henderson and Lallana over the next 24 hours.

"Our tally of goals will increase as the team improves over course of the season. Daniel coming back into the fold will help that.

"We can never say [if he has overcome his injury problems]. We'll take it day by day.

"Dejan knows we performed below our level in that game. He knows he made a mistake but it was about the collective," he added.

"In his first three games this season, Dejan showed he has the quality and the consistency to perform well."

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