Rodgers: Sahin in contention

The Turkey international signed for the Reds on a year-long loan deal last Saturday but was unable to play any part in the subsequent fixtures against Manchester City and Hearts.

But asked whether the 23-year-old will feature in his plans for tomorrow's clash against the Gunners, Rodgers told Liverpoolfc.com: "Yes. Nuri has come here determined to be a success and that's the type of player that we want.

"You see him in training and he's got good technique. He understands the game and he plays with a smile on his face.

"He's got a wonderful left foot. He's a good guy and he is very intelligent off the field. He speaks five languages and so his ability to communicate is very good.

"He doesn't waste his time doing other things. He's 23 years of age - his family and his football are his life."

Sahin could line up against an Arsenal team who have drawn both of their first two Barclays Premier League games 0-0.

But Rodgers knows the Gunners will pose a real threat when they arrive on Merseyside seeking a repeat of last year's game between the sides, when Robin van Persie stunned a dominant Reds to clinch all three points for the visitors.

"We know the size of the task," said the boss. "We've got a very, very difficult game against Arsenal. Liverpool lost to them last year having played well but went down 2-1. So we're hoping that we can change that and look to be better.

"Arsenal have been consistently in the top four positions for many years and they will be looking to challenge up there again this year."

Rodgers also spoke of his admiration for Arsene Wenger, who arrived at Highbury at the start of the 1996-97 season and a year later captured the Premier League and FA Cup double.

"He's very much someone I look up to," said Rodgers. "He's been in this country for many years. I like to study lots of managers both here and abroad and you always learn from every manager.

"Arsene came into this country and changed the coaching culture at that time. He's a highly successful manager. Over the last six or seven years Arsenal haven't won the trophies they would wish to but Wenger has got a lot of experience of the game and I like to learn from everyone."

He added: "But the Arsenal style of play is not necessarily something we will be looking to recreate here.

"The style of football at Liverpool has been in place long before I came. I like to see good technicians in a game and I think that at Liverpool over the years they haven't just won but won in a particular style.

"We're all about winning games and winning in the way Liverpool fans are used to - which is by playing good football."

Last year, Rodgers' Swansea side played their part in one of the most enthralling clashes of the season when they emerged 3-2 winners against Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium.

Danny Graham sealed the win for the Swans after an end-to-end encounter which showcased intense, expansive attacking football from both sides.

And when asked whether a similar, offensive approach would be the key to dismantling the Gunners when they visit Anfield on Sunday, Rodgers replied: "The key (to winning) will be similar to last week against Manchester City.

"That is we have got to have 100 per cent focus and concentrate on our performance. If we perform well and participate in the game tactically, which is important with the home supporters behind us, we've got an incredible chance to win the game.

"We were unfortunate last weekend in that we made some mistakes but we've got to move on. We just want to keep the good momentum going and make sure Anfield is a real difficult place to come to."