Rodgers hails Arsenal
The Gunners have made an indifferent start to their Barclays Premier League campaign with successive goalless draws.
Coming after the loss of star player Robin van Persie to Manchester United, that has led some to question whether the club can mount their usual challenge for Champions League qualification.
Yet after they came through a difficult spell to finish third last term, Rodgers is anticipating another strong showing from the Londoners, who visit Anfield tomorrow.
Rodgers said: “They have been consistently in that top four for the last 14 or 15 years.
“I think the competition now, especially the competition at the top end of the Premier League, is immense. The money invested into the clubs is incredible.
“That makes it tougher but certainly Arsenal are a team that have been up there for a number of years and I am sure it will be the same this year.”
Visiting boss Arsene Wenger believes his side will again make progress in Europe, and get stronger in the Premier League.
The Gunners face Schalke and the champions of Greece and France respectively, Olympiacos and Montpellier, in a group that is reasonably light on travelling.
“We will be favourites because we have the biggest experience in this group,” he told Arsenal Player.
For their part, Liverpool are hoping last week’s creditable 2-2 draw with champions Manchester City can provide the spark to kick-start their season.
The Reds crashed to a 3-0 defeat in their opening fixture at West Brom, a terrible first league outing for new boss Rodgers.
The Merseysiders will also be buoyed by their progress to the Europa League group stages as well as the encouraging performances of youngsters Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan.
New midfield signing Joe Allen has also slotted in well alongside irrepressible captain Steven Gerrard.
Rodgers said: “We have got a massive game at the weekend. We had a brilliant performance last weekend, just didn’t quite get the result we deserved.
“It will be tough this weekend as well but the players are really looking forward to it, as am I.”
New signing Nuri Sahin could make his Liverpool debut against Arsenal.
The Turkey international is eligible after moving to Anfield on a season-long loan from Real Madrid this week.
Defender Daniel Agger is available again after serving a one-match domestic ban but midfielder Lucas is out for up to three months with a thigh problem.
Arsenal will give a fitness test to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before naming their team against Liverpool.
Szczesny is a doubt with the rib problem that forced him to miss last weekend’s goalless draw with Stoke, so Italian Vito Mannone is on standby once again.
“Liverpool will be more technical and play the ball on the floor more than Stoke,” said Mannone.
“It is a dream of any kid to play at Anfield. I went a few years ago to watch a game, just to see the stadium.
“It will be fun if I have the chance because I would love to play in that ground, feel the atmosphere and hopefully get a win.”
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