Xabi Alonso admits Liverpool cannot afford another slow start against Chelsea this weekend.

Alonso said: "The United game was our first big test of the season, and beating them was very important for our confidence. Chelsea is going to be another one.

"They haven't lost at home in the League for 86 games over four years, but our aim is to put an end to that and let everyone know what we are about.

"Being the first team to take three points at Stamford Bridge after all this time would send out an important statement as well as putting us in a great position at the top of the table. Winning there could spur us on for the rest of the season.

"That is the main incentive, rather than any thoughts of revenge for last season's Champions' League defeat. Chelsea have a new manager, and there are different players in both teams, so we can only look forward to Sunday, rather than think back to last April.

"But we won't be going there with any fear. We will go out expecting to win, just as we have in every game this season.

"What we cannot afford to do, though, is start as slowly as we have in some games. That could prove costly, because the quality of Chelsea's players means they can punish you at any moment. We have to be on top of our game for the full 90 minutes."