Liverpool defender Joel Matip says he can handle the gamesmanship of Chelsea striker Diego Costa tonight.

Liverpool's new centre-back, a summer signing from Schalke, will be the latest defender tasked with keeping Costa at bay with the Chelsea striker enjoying an exceptional start to the season.

He told the Telegraph: “If an opponent tries to talk to me during the game, really, I don't give a f***. They can say what they want.

“I don't think anyone is like Costa. You can play against players who like to make you uncomfortable, but not too many with his size or as famous as him.

“It is always a fight against these big teams and you have to take on the battle. You have to go in there and fight, there is nothing else. As a defender, that is something you like – to go out there and win the ball.

“But I don't prepare only for Costa. I prepare for the whole team."