Brendan: I know we'll receive huge support

The Northern Irishman endured a frustrating afternoon in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday as Gustavo Poyet's Sunderland refused to yield on Merseyside and the Reds were forced to settle for a point following a 0-0 draw.

However, Rodgers' attentions will now shift immediately to an all-or-nothing encounter against the reigning Swiss champions, in a fixture that Liverpool must take three points from in order to secure qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament.

"We will get great support and there will be energy," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. "I remember against Zenit St Petersburg [in 2013] we needed to win by two goals and went 1-0 down early on which meant we had to win by three. We then came back to win the game 3-1.

"We could not muster that last goal. But it showed then that the support and the players coming together can be a real force. I am looking at that as being a big advantage for us. I am really looking forward to the atmosphere.

"Those games at the end of last season show it is important you stay calm. Lots of other teams have lots of experience in the competition. But the only way you get that experience is by being in it."

The point earned by Rodgers' side after their 2-2 draw against Ludogorets Razgrad in Sofia in the last European encounter means the Reds currently sit two points behind Basel in Group B.

With the Bulgarians now eliminated from the tournament, it all boils down to whether Liverpool can exceed Basel's points total - and the only way to do so is by beating Paulo Sousa's side on Tuesday under the L4 floodlights.

"I said at the beginning it would come down to the final two games," said Rodgers. "It was our first year back in the Champions League and everyone was saying that Real Madrid would probably go on and win the group.

"For us, we could not have wanted any more than to go to Anfield on Tuesday night needing to win the game to get qualified. It's perfect.

"We would have wanted to have done better, but we still have the chance. The most important thing is to qualify.

"If we can do that next week and get that put to bed until the New Year, then we will be pleased. If we can get over this last hurdle in the group it would be a difficult game for anyone against us home and away.

"Cup competitions are about wanting it. Sometimes you don't play well. As a coach or a manager, I always try to get the team to perform and perform well. But, ultimately, it's about getting through.

"Our concentration will be on getting through and with the crowd behind us we are hoping we can do that."