Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel expects a battle against Stoke City today.

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini was sent off for headbutting Ryan Shawcross after becoming frustrated with the constant holding and shoving during their 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium 10 days ago.

Skrtel accepts it is part of the game you have to deal with, even if Stoke sometimes go too far.

"The game against Stoke is not about the football, it is about the fight and the tackles," said the Slovakia international.

"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.

"It is always difficult to play against them, especially away from home but we know if we play our game it can be good.

"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."