Steven Gerrard says Aston Villa should relish taking on 'best team in the world' Liverpool

Steven Gerrard insists his Aston Villa team should relish the challenge of taking on 'the 'best team in the world' Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Villa play host to the Premier League title challengers who sit three points behind leaders Manchester City and are still in the running for a historic quadruple.

Gerrard's team are up to 11th in the table after winning their previous two games, the last of which was a 3-1 victory at Burnley on Saturday, and the former Liverpool captain says his team should have no fears about taking on the Merseysiders.

“Liverpool are a world-class team. Arguably, the best team in the world right now. We’re well aware of the challenge,” said Gerrard.

“I’ve spoken many times about how I respect the coach and the coaching staff there. You either fear that or you put your shoulders back and try to take it on and find situations where you can have your moments in the game.

“Every team on the planet, historically or now, there’s always areas or situations that happen in a game where you can hurt them.

“We’re well aware of the size of the challenge, but it’s exciting and I’m looking forward to it. Big games of football are what it’s all about.

“I know where the team is at and I know that we’re capable of winning football matches. I know we’re capable of going on runs to recover situations – we did it when we initially came in.

“We didn’t get too carried away when we were winning games on the spin, and at the same time, when you go on a tough run and suffer a few bumps it’s important to stick together and have belief in your players.

LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had very little to do. His defenders left him exposed for Tottenham’s goal. Getty

“It was tough – no one wants