Lucas Looking For September Form

Lucas Leiva is hoping Liverpool can pick up from where they left off prior to the international break, and start September with a bang by winning at Stoke City on Saturday.

The new-look Reds side saw a return of seven points from their first three games in the Barclays Premier League, and having impressed many onlookers with their array of attacking football under Kenny Dalglish, the Brazilian midfielder is eager for the squad to continue performing.

"We know we have two away games now and it's really important to get points in the away games," Lucas told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It always makes a big difference at the end of the season.

"We have to keep going and try to play well - the same way we have in the first three games. If we do, I am sure we will get points and we'll have another good month."

A trip to the Britannia Stadium will provide a tough test for Liverpool - an example of why the Barclays Premier League is the most exciting championship in the world, because of the variation in the way different teams set out. Finding a winning formula for all of them is the hardest challenge according to Lucas.

"We know how difficult it is to play against Stoke, especially on their own ground," he continued. "They have a physical game and big players, and their set pieces are always really difficult to defend.

"We have to go there ready to fight, try to play football and win. A lot of big clubs go there and can't win, but it will be a very good test for us to see how we cope with this type of team."

Much like Liverpool, Stoke were one of the busier teams in this summer's transfer window - most notably strengthening their attack with deadline day arrival of Cameron Jerome and former Reds striker Peter Crouch.

"They will probably be very excited playing their first game at the stadium for their fans, so we have to be aware of that," concluded the 24-year-old. "They have good players, including a couple that played here in the past.

"They have quality and we have to make sure we prepare well and are ready to battle."