Pepe: Let's strengthen our case
Pepe Reina is hoping to make the perfect start to what he believes will be a crucial period in defining Liverpool's season when Aston Villa visit Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The clash with the Midlanders begins a run of seven matches in a little over four weeks as the English football calendar heads into the traditionally hectic Christmas and New Year period.
And with the Reds currently just four points off fourth position in the Barclays Premier League table following a run of one defeat in 11, Reina is hoping they can significantly bolster their Champions League prospects over the course of the next month.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "We've always said it is a crucial time. There are so many points available very quickly and you have to be ready and up for it because it marks the second half of the season.
"We need to make sure we get three wins from three at home [against Villa, Fulham and Sunderland] and deliver away from home as well.
"I think there has always been a real belief amongst the squad, but there are still 20-odd games to be played and it's never going to be easy.
"At some points you will be higher and at some points you will be lower in the table, but when it really matters is at the end. To be in the top four is our target."
Villa are next on the agenda for Liverpool and will arrive on Merseyside having also enjoyed something of a resurgence in form recently.
Paul Lambert's side are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, while their last four in the league have seen them concede just one goal.
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Reina is well aware of their upturn in fortunes, but is confident the Reds have what it takes to collect the three points.
He said: "They have picked up a little bit in the last three or four matches. They've changed their system as well. They are a little bit more consistent, so it's going to be a tough game as always.
"We need to set the tempo ourselves as we always try to do at home. They've tightened up at the back and haven't conceded many goals in the last few weeks, so it's going to be tough - but we believe we can win."
Six-goal Christian Benteke is Villa's top scorer so far this season - a man Reina has never faced.
Our custodian will be well prepared, however.
"I will do what I always do - try to do my homework before the game and get ready for any possible strikers I can face," he explained.
"He is in a good moment and scoring goals - but we will have the back four and holding midfielders especially ready to hold him tightly."