BRENDAN RODGERS believes Liverpool are a different proposition to the team beaten by Southampton earlier this season as the Reds prepare for a vital trip to St Mary’s on Saturday.
Rodgers’ side are just four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea with 11 matches remaining, sparking hope at Anfield of a surprise title challenge.
With six wins and two draws, the fourth-placed Reds are unbeaten in six matches since the turn of the year and also have a six-point cushion to Tottenham in fifth.
The 1-0 loss to Mauricio Pochettino’s side in September is still their only league defeat at Anfield all season.
Rodgers’ side are top scorers in the Premier League but have been struggling defensively, with seven goals conceded in their last three matches and only Newcastle have conceded more than them in the top half of the table.
But Rodgers is comfortable with the way his team are playing ahead of the trip to the south coast.
“We have improved quite a lot (since the defeat in September),” Rodgers said.
“On that day we had injuries that meant we had to put different players into different positions that probably wouldn’t suit how we want to work normally.
“But it doesn’t mean it’s going to be any easier a game — it’s going to be a really difficult game.
“St Mary’s has been a traditionally difficult place to go, and especially for Liverpool over a number of years.
“But we’ve got great belief and confidence at the moment. We know what we’re going into each game looking to achieve, and we’re going in with the ability and focus to get the results.”
