Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers anticipates beneficial Melbourne Victory match

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that their pre-season friendly with Melbourne Victory will stand them in good stead ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Reds play the Australian side on Wednesday morning UK time, and Rodgers feels that the match will provide his side with a stern test before the new campaign begins next month.

"[Melbourne] are the biggest club in Australia. It will be a tough game and that's the reason for coming out here," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"It's good preparation for the Premier League.The welcome we've had has been incredible and shows the passion for football out here.

"We're honoured to be playing at such an iconic sporting venue. To have a sell-out is remarkable but it doesn't surprise me as the support we get worldwide is very humbling."

Rodgers's side have won both of their pre-season games so far after beating Preston North End 4-0 at Deepdale on July 13 before a 2-0 victory over an Indonesian XI last Saturday.