Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his respect for Stoke City ahead of the match between the two sides on Boxing Day.

Stoke have been criticised for their physical style of football in the past, but Rodgers believes that the Potters' style of play has been unfairly vilified.

The Northern Irishman praised Stoke's organisation and commitment, but insists that he is focused on his own tactics.

"I've always respected Stoke. There's no right or wrong way to play football but I think Stoke sometimes have got a lot of unfair criticism. How they play the game, they challenge you physically, which is fine because it is a physical sport and at the top level that is what happens," said Rodgers.

"The players are very committed to the cause, Tony (Pulis) has them very well organised and has some outstanding players. We'll just have to deal with what the game throws at us. My focus is on ourselves; I'd rather Stoke worry about how we play. But at the same time you have to respect their game and the strengths that they have and combat that. At times that isn't always pretty. Sometimes you have to stand up and be counted.

"We have a mix and a balance which allows us to compete physically while also playing football. If you want to be a winning team, you have to have that balance."

Liverpool and Stoke are currently level on points in the Premier League table, sitting eighth and ninth respectively.