Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes that the key to beating Stoke City is to be able to "fight" them.

Liverpool travel to the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day looking to become the first side to defeat Stoke at their home ground this season, but Skrtel has insisted that they must compete physically with their opponents to give themselves the best possible chance of three points.

Skrtel told reporters: "The game against Stoke is not about the football it is about the fight and the tackles.

"The fighting in the box at throws, corners and free kicks was always part of the game but it can be too much.

"We have to deal with it and that is the key for us as defenders, to fight against them and then our creative players can play our game and try to score goals."

Skrtel netted Liverpool's opener as they beat Fulham 4-0 on Saturday.