Skrtel: Anfield fear factor is returning
Martin Skrtel believes Anfield is slowly returning to the formidable venue it became at the end of last season - and the Slovakian wants Burnley to feel the full effect of the Kop's powers tonight.
The stadium was rocking on Sunday after Philippe Coutinho stepped inside and whipped a sensational strike beyond Joe Hart to clinch a hugely important 2-1 triumph over Manchester City.
Skrtel insists the Brazilian's stunning finish prompted decibel levels from the stands which made it difficult for the players to hear each other out on the field, as Kopites urged the team towards a precious three points in the Barclays Premier League.
The centre-back is keen for more of the same from the home crowd when Sean Dyche's Burnley arrive in L4 this evening - and he believes the Reds are close to restoring a certain fear factor around Anfield.
"It's always an advantage to play at home because of the fans and the atmosphere," Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.com. "The atmosphere against City was unbelievable.
"For the last 10 minutes, you couldn't hear a single word on the pitch. We couldn't talk between each other because the crowd was so loud. That's what we like and we enjoy that. I hope it's going to be the same against Burnley.
"I think we got to that point [turning Anfield into a fortress] last season. When teams came to Anfield, they were, I guess, a little bit scared.
"We had great results there against Everton, Arsenal and Spurs. I think we're getting to that point [this season] as well and we just want to keep that."
Burnley, who were promoted to the Premier League at the start of the season, currently occupy 19th place in the standings, four points clear of Leicester City at the very foot of the table.
The Clarets are without a win since January 10 and have lost four out of their last six league encounters, but they proved staunch opposition against Liverpool at Turf Moor on Boxing Day.
For more than an hour they kept Brendan Rodgers' side locked to a stalemate until a moment of sheer ingenuity from Coutinho released Raheem Sterling, who slotted the only goal of the game.
"I have to say that in the Premier League, every single game is a difficult one," insisted Skrtel. "I remember the game we played away from home against Burnley and it wasn't easy.
"They got a draw against Chelsea recently and they will try to do something similar at Anfield. But we are confident and we want to keep the momentum going and get the three points. We will do everything we possibly can to get the three points."