'Let's make Anfield a fortress'

Lucas Leiva has called on his teammates to make Anfield a fortress again and start a winning run on home turf - beginning with three points against Fulham on Saturday.

Martin Jol's side recorded a Premier League double over the Reds last season and with more than a hint of revenge in the air, Liverpool are also determined to make amends for last weekend's setback against Aston Villa.

In the calendar year of 2012 Liverpool have only recorded five wins out of 18 top-flight games played at home - a statistic Lucas insists must improve as we head into a new year.

"It's important to make opponents fear coming to Anfield and make them know that it is going to be a tough afternoon for them," Lucas told Liverpoolfc.com.

"That's the way it was a few years ago and we need to get a good winning run going at Anfield again and make it more difficult for the other teams.

"We have had some difficult moments at home but we want to get the three points on Saturday and start a good run again."

One player that represents a danger to Liverpool's hopes of three points is in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has proven to be an inspirational signing at Craven Cottage following his departure from Manchester United.

Lucas has a great deal of respect for the Bulgarian international and insists Liverpool must keep him quiet.

He said: "We know Berbatov is a top player. He has a lot of quality and he is very dangerous so we need to be careful of that.

"He does like to drop deep so sometimes I will be around him and try to stop him being available for a pass and try to stop him creating chances for his teammates.

"We will have a look at the videos of Fulham and try to stop Berbatov because he is a very important player for them.

"Fulham are a tough team to play against and we just need to make sure we play the right way, start the game well and if we do that we will have a good chance of winning."

Saturday's visit of the Cottagers will also see Liverpool come face to face with former Red John Arne Riise.

Injury prevented Lucas meeting him last season but the pair are expected to battle for the first time since their days in front of the Kop this weekend.

Liverpool's No.21 insists Riise is guaranteed a great reception from the Anfield faithful.

He added: "Last season I didn't get the chance to play against him but of course I played with him for a few years at Liverpool. The fans have great memories of him so I am sure he will get a very good reception.

"He had a great career at Liverpool, he won the Champions League and I think the fans will give him the reception he deserves."