Kuyt and Co do not fear rough Reading

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Rafael Benitez's side are currently in the best form of their season and have memories of a 4-2 Carling Cup win over Saturday's opponents to spur them on as they look to extend their unbeaten record in the Premier League.

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Rough ride: Kuyt is expecting a physical approach from Reading

But Liverpool also recall the way Reading's defenders tried to knock them off their stride in September and have warned Steve Coppell's side that such tactics will only make them stronger.

Anfield's Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt said: 'That is what the Premier League is all about. There are quality players but you also have to get used to the physical challenge.

'Fernando Torres did really well that day. He kept getting kicked but kept getting back up and scored goals — that's the best answer.'

Captain Steven Gerrard added: 'Fernando is getting praise and rightly so because the way he has settled into English football has been amazing and the way he has played is frightening. Everyone is talking about the goals he has scored and the way he has scored them but I don't think we should lose sight of the hard work he is putting in off the ball as well.'

Reading manager Steve Coppell admitted his team have a major problem matching Rafa Benitez's team. He said: 'They are difficult to prepare against because Rafa is notorious for chopping and changing cream and caviar with cream and caviar! It's not getting down to the bread and butter.

'They've invested to compete right at the top. But their demand is to win the title. If they finish fourth they will have failed.'