Skrtel braced for bruising Stoke

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel says his team are ready for a bruising encounter at Stoke City on Wednesday.

Only goal difference separates the sides in the league with both teams on 25 points ahead of the game at the Britannia Stadium, and Skrtel has called on his team-mates to keep their cool and play to their creative strengths in what is sure to be a physical contest.

“The game against Stoke is not about the football, it is about the fight and the tackles,” the Slovakia international told reporters.

“The fighting in the box at throws, corners and free-kicks was always part of the game but it can be too much.

“What they do is sometimes too much but they are doing well this season, keeping clean sheets.

“We have to deal with it and that is the key for us as defenders, to fight against them and then our creative players can play our game and try to score goals.”

Skrtel says victory for Liverpool is crucial as his side begin to look toward the Champions League qualification places after a poor start under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

“It is always difficult to play against (Stoke), especially away from home but we know if we play our game it can be good,” he said.

“We will just try to beat them and get the three points because that is very important for us.

“I hope and believe we can score goals and win there. With three games in a few days that will be key.”