Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers keen to gain advantage on top four rivals Arsenal with victory at the Emirates

Liverpool are looking for a third win in a row against Arsenal on Monday
Brendan Rodgers knows the importance of facing a top four rival
Reds boss is confident his side can get a result at the Emirates Stadium
Jordan Henderson is doubtful after injury his foot against Bournemouth
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Published:
10:14 GMT, 22 August 2015

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Updated:
01:04 GMT, 23 August 2015

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Brendan Rodgers wants Liverpool to strike an early psychological blow in the race for the top four by beating Arsenal on Monday.

Liverpool travel to north London on Monday having won their opening two games but they have only beaten Arsenal away from home twice this century, the last victory coming four years ago.

When the sides last met in April, Liverpool were flattened 4-1 – a defeat that effectively ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League – but Rodgers is confident that his side can put up a bold show on this occasion.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers talks with Roberto Firmino during a training session at Melwood

Rodgers wants Liverpool to strike an early psychological blow in the race for the top four by beating Arsenal

Rodgers speaks with Joe Gomez during training ahead of their clash with Arsenal on Monday night

Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Monday having won their opening two games in the Premier League

Rodgers is confident that his side can put up a fight against Arsenal after their previous defeat

Dejan Lovren and Philippe Coutinho train hard ahead of their visit to Arsenal on Monday

Though he has concerns over whether Jordan Henderson will be fit to make the trip – Liverpool’s captain is struggling to recover from a problem in his foot – Rodgers is happy with how his team has started this campaign but wants them to step up a gear at the Emirates.

‘It is important obviously you’re playing one of the rivals you hope to be competing with at the top end of the table,’ said Rodgers.

‘These games are important. They don’t give the full picture of how it will finish up because you can still draw or lose these games and go on what you want to achieve. But of course for confidence and psychologically they are important.

‘It’s a good chance, absolutely. No matter where these games come in the season they are always good for the psychological affect. Of course we have tough games away from home but we go into the game with confidence.

‘We know they are an outstanding group of player with some quality individual players. But there’s a real focus for our group this season, a real toughness mentally that we have that ability to fight and scrap to get a result as well as playing good football. We can go there with a game plan and confident we can get a result.’

Christian Benteke scores the only goal of the game against Bournemouth at Anfield on Monday night

Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren (L-R) celebrate with Benteke after his first Premier League goal for Liverpool

Rodgers is aiming to lead Liverpool to a third victory in a row against Arsenal on Monday

Henderson, meanwhile, has outlined how the injury is affecting him. He is struggling to put weight on his right foot and is listening to Liverpool’s medical staff over what is best and if that means missing Monday to ensure he is fit in the weeks going forward, he will have to accept the decision.

‘I am getting assessed day by day at the minute,’ said Henderson. ‘It is all about pain, symptoms wise at the minute. When everything settles down I will be ok , but I don’t know when that will be.

‘I have done something with my heel, so every time I plant my foot whether running or walking I can feel it. It has settled down over the last few days but I don’t know what it will be like in terms of Monday.

‘Hopefully it settles down some more. I just have to keep doing what have been told by the physios in terms of treatment and hopefully it gets better.’