Martin Skrtel: 'Chelsea won't take it easy against Liverpool'

Martin Skrtel believes that a "big rivalry" with Chelsea will prevent the recently-crowned champions from taking their foot off the gas when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho's men clinched their first Premier League title for five years with victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, but Slovakian international Skrtel is still expecting the Blues to be on their game.

He told the club's official website: "Chelsea are champions already and perhaps it is different when you know you don't have much to play for. But when you're a footballer you always play for yourself, play for your team and play for your fans.

"It'll be the same as any other game for them and that's why it is not going to be easy. It's also Liverpool against Chelsea, which are always massive games. There is a big rivalry between the teams, so it'll be a good game.

"We will go there, try to beat them and get the three points. We need the points, that's the main thing, but it'll be difficult - it'll be a hard game as always against Chelsea, but we're confident."

Brendan Rodgers's side are currently fifth in the Premier League table, seven points behind Manchester United in the final Champions League qualifying place.