Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his frustration at what he feels are poor refereeing decisions against his side, in the lead up to his first Merseyside derby as boss.

The Northern Irishman believes the Reds’ start to the season could have been different with a better rub of the green.

“We haven’t got anything this year,” Rodgers told reporters. “I have got to be honest, that is incredible. We are due a wee bit of luck somewhere along the line, so let’s hope it starts at the weekend.”

After Liverpool won all three contests between the two sides last season, Rodgers is keen to extend their recent run in the fixture, but knows his players must remain calm, and hopes referee Andre Marriner isn’t overwhelmed by the occasion.

He added: “These are real firecrackers of games, with a lot of passion and intensity, which they should be because that is what rivalries are all about.

“But it is also important to stay calm. I think the referee has a big part to play in that. The history of it shows there has been a lot of red cards but I hope that this weekend we might start to get a decision that goes our way for once.

“The Merseyside derby is a terrific game full of passion, full of quality. I hope the referee, Andre, can really ensure everything is in control and the football is what is talked about.”