Paul Lambert insists Norwich will not underestimate out-of-form Liverpool when they entertain the Reds on Saturday.
Norwich boss says Liverpool have been unlucky in front of goal
Paul Lambert insists Norwich will not underestimate out-of-form Liverpool when they entertain the Reds on Saturday.
Liverpool have won just three times in the Premier League in 2012, a stat which somewhat overshadows their impressive cup form, the Reds having secured the Carling Cup and awaiting an FA Cup final meeting with Chelsea.
Lambert, though, believes Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has assembled a strong side that is due a large slice of luck, thus making him wary of their visit to Carrow Road.
"Liverpool have won the Carling Cup, they are in the final of the FA Cup. The fan base is huge, Kenny is a massive presence and they are still a fantastic side," he said.
"I don't think anybody should underestimate that.
"Their performances have been good, but the results have gone against them, which happens, so I am under no illusions of how hard it is going to be.
"It is more highlighted because of the club they are. We will have to play to our max," he added.
The Canaries registered a 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier in the season, and a home victory this time around would leave the two sides level on 46 points.
Incentive
And Lambert believes he needs no extra incentive to motivate his troops, who enter the game following back-to-back defeats in an otherwise impressive return to the Premier League.
"I don't need to lift the players because the game itself will lift them," said the former Colchester boss.
"We will certainly have to lift it because I think Liverpool are a top side.
"Some of the players they have got are outstanding. The history and the tradition they have got is such that we have to step it up."
Norwich's last home game was a 6-1 mauling by Manchester City and a 2-0 defeat at Blackburn followed, but Lambert has set his sights on steadying the ship.
He said: "The Manchester City match was perhaps a game too far because we had played Everton and then on the Monday after we played Tottenham. Maybe the three games took their toll.
"The energy was there against Blackburn. I just thought we never got up to the standard we had set.
"We have to bounce back and I am sure we will."
