Balotelli warned by Rodgers

Cape Town - Scoring goals may not be enough for Mario Balotelli to be the new crowd favorite at Liverpool.

The Italy striker ended his wait for a goal for his new club by scoring in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League. But manager Brendan Rodgers says Balotelli must dovetail scoring with a relentless work rate like Luis Suarez did during his turbulent 3½ years at Anfield.

"You can see that he's trying to put himself in for the team — and that's going to be very important, because the crowd demand that," Rodgers said of Balotelli.

"The players that have been here in the past in that position, they've been non-stop, and he's becoming attuned.

"He's putting his body on the line, and he needs to do more."

With Daniel Sturridge still out injured, Balotelli should again lead Liverpool's attack against West Ham United

The Hammers are 13th on the log after four games while Liverpool, who suffered a shock loss to Aston Villa, are in 8th position with six points after their first four games. 

West Ham United host Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, September 20. Kick-off is at 18:30.