Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers feels he's a better manager for handling Luis Suarez's on-off move to Arsenal in the summer.

This will be the first time Liverpool have faced the league leaders at Anfield since Arsenal failed with a number of attempts, including a bid of £40million plus £1, to land Suarez last summer.

"I think it made me a better manager," said Rodgers. "You don't get these scenarios when you're doing your coaching courses. Man-management is a vital part of the job. You always have to respect players but hopefully you can find common ground with the great players we have.

"With Luis, I always knew that once we'd ended the speculation with him it would be fine. I've never known a player like him in training.

"You can see the commitment and hunger he has for this club and that over-rides any ill-feeling over what happened in the summer."