Liverpool have been backed to finish in the top four for the first time since 2009 by midfielder Lucas Leiva, who continues to be an important member of the team after joining the club in 2007. He was a signing made by former manager Rafa Benitez as a 20-year-old. Even though he struggled initially to win over fans, he has become an integral part of the team over the last few years. This has also led to the call-up to the Brazilian national team as well. Liverpool have made a great start to the Premier league campaign under Brendan Rodgers this season.

It has renewed hope amongst fans that Liverpool will finally be able to qualify for the Champions League after a gap of four years. Despite being the recordholder amongst the British teams for the most number of European cups won, the last few years have been in the wilderness for the Merseyside club. After having lost just one match in the league this season, Liverpool are top of the table along with Arsenal going into the international break. Lucas has accepted that the Premier league campaign is very long, but he is confident of finishing in the top four this season.

"We have obviously got some encouraging results from the first games and no one will complain about being top of the table. But we would be silly to get too excited after seven games. The Premiership is a long and tough journey and we just have to look at our defeat (at home) to Southampton to see that. But I'll give you one thing: maybe we would have drawn that game against Stoke last season. There's a feeling that a couple of things went our way (this time round)," said the midfielder to the British tabloid Guardian.