'Let's hit the ground running'
Lucas Leiva believes 2011-12 will be one of the most open Barclays Premier Leagues in years - and insists a strong home record will prove key in determining the success of Liverpool's season.
The Brazil midfielder is confident the Reds are one of several teams capable of mounting a strong challenge for a Champions League berth
And though refusing to predict where he feels Liverpool will finish, Lucas knows a positive start to the campaign and a solid record at Anfield will be decisive in the outcome of their term.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Everyone wants to win the league but it's really hard to say where we're going to finish before the start of the season.
"Last season, after January we had a fantastic record in the Premier League but we paid for the way we started.
"We have to start well and look to be higher in the table - on top if possible, but of course we want to be fighting for the Champions League again because that's where Liverpool belong."
Liverpool begin the season at home to Sunderland today, before travelling to Arsenal next weekend.
Lucas is eager to stress the importance of trying to gain momentum right from the off.
He said: "Firstly, we have to start well. The home games, getting the three points, is really important. We know away games are more difficult to win but if we win our home games and try to get some points away it will be perfect to be in the top four.
"It's important to start by winning, then we have Arsenal away. It's going to be very difficult but the three points always gives you confidence for the next few games."
Liverpool finished 2010-11 in sixth position, but Lucas believes any one of the teams who made up the top half-dozen of the table in May are in contention for honours.
He added: "We have five or six clubs who can fight for the title. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are always fighting - they are always there. Manchester City are really pushing and they've signed really good players and spending a lot of money.
"Liverpool have also signed good players and Tottenham have done well in the last few years - these teams could fight for the title."
Meanwhile, Lucas has spoken of his delight at the addition of another fellow South American at Anfield.
Last season, Lucas, Luis Suarez and Maxi Rodriguez enjoyed barbeques and Playstation contests in their spare time - and Alexander Doni will be more than welcome to join them.
He said: "For sure Doni will be very welcome to join us!
"He has a lot of experience, he was involved in the last World Cup and has a lot of strengths. We have Pepe, who is one of the best 'keepers in the world, but for sure Doni will put him under a lot of pressure and train really hard to get his chance."