Brendan: We want to get back to that level

The Reds will look to bolster their push for a top-four spot in the Barclays Premier League when they host Swansea City at Anfield in Sunday's early kick-off.

Expectations are sky high around L4 at the moment, and supporters who file onto the Kop tomorrow will be desperate for a re-run of the previous two displays, which saw Everton and Arsenal comprehensively thrashed.

However, while some have taken the opportunity to look higher up the table, Tottenham Hotspur, in fifth, are currently just three points and a place behind Rodgers' side.

With this in mind, the manager insists his charges simply cannot afford to let their lofty standards slip during the 12 games they face between now and the end of the current campaign.

"I think we have shown in our performance level that we are as good as any of the English sides this season," said Rodgers.

"We just need to do it over the next 12 games and prove it on the field. If we do that it will take us to [Champions League] level. It is a competition that this club has a wonderful history in. It's a level that we want to get back to.

"The first job is to consolidate our place in the top four. Once you're in there then you can look beyond that. Our ambitions are still further but we have to take it game by game.

"We just want to keep pushing. Over the course of these next 12 games, we will be prepared and ready to get maximum points. We know that will be difficult but we have real confidence at the moment in our game."

Manchester City are the only side to have scored more goals than Liverpool in the league this season. Manuel Pellegrini's team have netted just two more than the Reds up to date.

Liverpool turned in valiant displays away from home against City and then Chelsea in the space of three days before the New Year, slipping to two defeats, but showing their credentials with two strong displays.

Elsewhere, Tottenham were hammered 5-0 at White Hart Lane in December as Everton and Arsenal were thrashed by four-goal margins in the space of 11 days this year.

Only Southampton and Aston Villa have come to Anfield and taken points away this season. Manchester United and Stoke City were narrowly beaten, while the likes of Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United were turned over in style.

"Our performances and results have shown that we can compete," continued Rodgers. "Even in the cup game last week you look at the reaction from Arsenal. You could sense that they felt they were playing against a very good side.

"I spoke to Arsene after the game. He and his staff said they felt we were the most dangerous attacking team they had played all season, which is a great compliment when you think of some of the games they have played in."