'Win these games if you want top four'
Lucas Leiva envisages a triple incentive for victory when Liverpool host Hull City on Wednesday – revenge, remaining in contention for the top four and maintaining a renewed feeling at Anfield.
The Reds kicked off December with a stutter by losing 3-1 at the KC Stadium on the opening day of last month, when a first-half Steven Gerrard free-kick proved mere consolation on Humberside.
Brendan Rodgers' team, who are currently fifth in the Barclays Premier League standings, have been in sublime form on home soil, however - with six consecutive wins on their record in L4.
Following successive festive defeats by Manchester City and Chelsea last week, midfielder Lucas has now called on his teammates to continue their outstanding displays as hosts when the Tigers visit Merseyside.
"If we want to be in the top four, we want to win these kinds of games," the Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.com.
"It will be a great opportunity to win, as we lost against them away from home. To get three points is the most important thing and to keep climbing up the table.
"It's becoming a very hard place to come. Probably our record in the last few years at home was not the best. But we're getting back to what Anfield used to be - a very hard place to come and play against us.
"We are happy with the way we are playing the games and beating teams at home. We just hope we keep that going on New Year's Day."
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With Gerrard ruled out due to a hamstring issue, the 26-year-old Lucas has started each of the last four encounters alongside Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in the centre of the Liverpool XI.
The Brazil international has no intention of relinquishing his berth in the team and delivered a positive update on his personal fitness condition and level of performance.
The No.21 said: "It doesn't mean you lose a place in the team if you are out for a few games. That's the way it is - you have a big squad and you have to fight to keep a place.
"Now I'm just trying to enjoy my opportunities and take the opportunities well, then see what's going to happen.
"I'm 100 per cent, I feel great. I think it has been a positive season for me, I'm really happy with the way I'm playing.
"Of course, we always want to improve and that's my aim as well - always trying to improve and get better. But I'm really pleased with the way I'm playing."