The Reds boss has targeted a sold run until January, when he can further reinforce his squad, while also urging Raheem Sterling to concentrate all his efforts on his career

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has challenged his team to maintain their solid start to the Premier League and be in the top six at Christmas.

After three wins and a draw from their opening four matches of the season, Liverpool were the early pace-setters in the league, though defeat to Southampton saw them relinquish top spot.

Another defeat to Manchester United in the League Cup on Wednesday means Rodgers’ side only have the league to focus on until they enter the FA Cup in the new year – and the 46-year-old wants his side to use that to their advantage.

“Now we can only concentrate on the league up until Christmas,” he said. “So we have to make sure we stay up in that top six in the league and keep fighting and hopefully we can reinforce in January.

“I think the players have made an excellent start. We were flat and subdued at the weekend [against Southampton] and we couldn’t get going – part of that was because of the players we had available.”

Rodgers has also challenged Raheem Sterling to focus on improving his performances on the pitch after more problems off it.

The winger was arrested for alleged assault earlier this year, although the case against him was dropped and he was officially cleared.

“Raheem needs to have a clear mind in everything in his life – he needs to stabilise his life,” Rodgers added.

“We mustn’t forget he is 18 – but he has to understand the remarkable opportunity he has at one of the biggest clubs in the world and focus everything in on his career.

“Once he does that and he is clear in his mind, he has no distractions and we can get to the level of performance of the first four or five months of last season.”

Goal takes a look at the best players to pick or avoid, as well as the bargain buys, as the Premier League gets back underway following midweek Capital One Cup action

For a while, Wayne Rooney (8.5) would have had flashing lights and a big warning sign around his Fantasy Football selection. However, back in favour (and even handed the captain’s armband against Liverpool in midweek), in-form and the main man while Robin van Persie is injured, the 27-year-old looks a solid selection for the immediate future. The England international has already racked up eight goals or assists this term in all competitions.

If you haven’t done so already, it is time to cede to the fact that Aaron Ramsey (5.5) is unstoppable right now. The Wales international, now beginning to realise his full potential after his career was stunted through injury, has scored seven goals in as many games for Arsenal this season, and has netted just one goal fewer than the Premier League’s top scorers. Ignore him at your peril.

Champing at the bit to get back into action according to his manager, Luis Suarez (10.0) quickly showed flashes of his devastating ability against Manchester United on Wednesday as he returned from a 10-match suspension. The Uruguayan, selected by less than 5 per cent of players, was outscored by only Van Persie last term and, if his Capital One Cup showing is anything to go by, he will be back among the goals very soon.

Manchester City are beginning to click into gear under Manuel Pellegrini, having scored nine goals in their last two matches (including a 4-1 thrashing of rivals United) and topping the Premier League’s scoring charts. Samir Nasri (7.5) was influential against the Red Devils, netting his second league goal of the season in the process, and represents great value in amongst City’s more expensive options.

Aston Villa are still rocking from the news that they will be without star striker and back-aching talisman Christian Benteke (8.0) for up to six weeks. The Belgium international has scored 67% of Villa’s goals this season, who are likely to struggle in his absence amongst a pretty daunting string of fixtures. While Benteke is sidelined, you should look elsewhere for forward firepower.

Norwich may have spent a club-record fee bringing Ricky van Wolfswinkel (6.5) to Carrow Road, but the Dutch striker – along with fellow forward signings Johan Elmander and Gary Hooper – has looked pretty impotent so far. The Canaries are the joint lowest scorers in the Premier League and are unlikely to get much change out of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, who are all on their fixture list in the following month.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott (9.0) was forced to withdraw from the Gunners’ starting line-up to face Stoke last weekend, a problem that has now been diagnosed as an abdominal strain. The England international should be avoided for now, and, even upon his return to fitness, his failure to net in the league this term might prompt the exploration of other options.

Sunderland’s poor start to the new campaign was blamed on manager-cum-dictator Paolo Di Canio, who has subsequently been served his P45 just 13 matches after he took over. The Black Cats could have the customary new manager honeymoon period, but the visit of Liverpool will likely be too great a test for the league’s worst defence. Clear your team of John O’Shea (4.5) & co., who could be on the end of a cricket score.

When one door closes, another opens, and injury to Benteke has given new Aston Villa signing Libor Kozak (6.0) a great opportunity to prove his worth. The Czech frontman, a £7m buy from Lazio, replaced his Belgian team-mate at the weekend and netted within minutes of coming on. It should be noted that he failed to score a single Serie A goal in the 2012-13 campaign, though did bag 10 goals in 11 Europa League appearances.

Southampton may have struggled to score goals this season (they’ve netted just three times), but they have had no problems keeping opposition defences at bay. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have conceded just twice – the joint-second best defensive record behind Tottenham – and will be confident of shutting out Crystal Palace on Saturday. Dejan Lovren (4.0) netted against Liverpool and poses a goal threat amongst a solid backline.

Manchester United full-back Rafael (5.5) was a contender for best right-back of the year last season, but, through a combination of suspension and injury, he has yet to feature for the reigning champions this season. On Wednesday night, though, he got through 90 minutes against Liverpool, showing his usual attacking abandon, and would be a good pick-up as United enter a favourable run of fixtures.

Trying to pick one of Manchester City’s forward is something of a minefield, but Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to rest Sergio Aguero (10.5) for the midweek Capital One Cup tie against Wigan would appear to indicate that the Argentine frontman is very much first choice at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Atletico Madrid striker netted twice against rivals United last week, bringing his tally for the season to four goals (with two assists thrown in for good measure). Aguero is in great form and should not be overlooked, much like Wayne Rooney (8.5). The England international is back to his best, scoring goals and dictating matches, and should do plenty of damage against an often hapless West Brom side.

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Greg Stobart offers his predictions ahead of the weekend’s Premier League fixtures – but how do you think he and the teams will get on?

The standout match this weekend comes from London, as Chelsea contest their second derby in as many league games, as they visit high-flying Tottenham.

The match sees Jose Mourinho and his former apprentice, Andre Villas-Boas, lock horns for the first time since going their separate ways back in 2009. Spurs currently boast the best defensive record in European football, but have only beaten the Blues on three occasions at home in the Premier League.

That said, the first of which, came against Jose Mourninho back in 2006 …

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester United look to build on their midweek Capital One Cup victory over Liverpool with a home tie with West Brom, while league-leaders Arsenal travel to Swansea.

Last time out, Didi scored six out of ten, correctly backing Manchester City to defeat rivals Manchester United. Impressive, but still not as good as Gus Poyet who continues to lead the way.

So Greg has had his say, and now you can too! Leave your predictions in the comments below and vote on how you think he will fare.