Daniel Sturridge expects the increased number of fans inside Anfield to make a real difference for Liverpool – and the striker is determined to harness that advantage this season.

The Reds return to their home stadium on Saturday for the visit of reigning Premier League champions Leicester City, some 122 days after the previous game at the ground.

Since that night back in May, the Main Stand has been transformed, with redevelopment work allowing for 8,500 more supporters to attend matches from now on.

Noise levels should therefore rise even further and Sturridge is eager to experience the changes to an atmosphere he has been privileged to play in for more than three years.

“As players we will see the difference,” he told Liverpoolfc.com this summer.

“Week in, week out we need the fans as much as possible. They turn up and it’s always a sell-out at Anfield.

“It’s important that it continues to be like that and they are vocal, as they are all the time. Because without them we wouldn’t be where we are and who we are.

“We understand the importance of the fans and we’re grateful for everything they have done for us in helping us and pushing us on the football field. We’ll look to repay them with results.”

Click here for all of the latest news and features ahead of the official opening of the redeveloped Main Stand.