Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers knows his squad's credentials are being tested this week.

With a visit to Chelsea coming so soon after a testing trip to Manchester City, Rodgers admitted that the resolve of his squad will be tested - but backed his team to cope in the afternoon clash.

"For us it couldn't be any tougher," said the manager. "We're playing against the two teams who arguably have the two best squads in the league.

"They can change all their players and still have a team that challenges at the top of the table. We'll go into the game and do our best. That's what we have done.

"The quality of our game is demonstrating that we're improving. And whoever we put in there is going to focus on getting a result for the football club.

"So for us, of course this period is always difficult, no matter what way you look at it. It's not ideal but it's what happens and it's what makes it exciting to be in the country at this time. We embrace it and we'll look to get a result."