Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth was the club's seventh of the season and they are now eighth in the Barclays Premier League table.

They are now closer - in points terms - to bottom side Pompey than leaders Chelsea and the pressure is increasing on manager Rafael Benitez and his misfiring squad.

Liverpool host Wolves on Boxing Day and then head to Aston Villa three days later.

Lucas believes a win at Anfield, where the team have enjoyed just two victories since September 26, is a must if the Reds are to start turning things around after several false dawns.

"It would be good and really important to finish the year [at Anfield] with a victory," said the Brazil international.

"I think we need to win almost every game now, so our target is to take each game as it comes and end the year well.

"Then, if we can also start the New Year with a win it will be important.

"But Wolves have quality. We have to respect them and try to show our own quality and play well for the fans."

Liverpool's poor form this season has made them vulnerable as it has encouraged so-called 'lesser' teams to have a greater belief when they come up against Benitez's side.

However, the 22-year-old Lucas insists the squad will continue to try to play their way out of their current slump.

"All games are tough in the Premier League, so we have to prepare well, work hard and have confidence," he told the club's website, liverpoolfc.tv.

"We have quality and if we can play well we can beat anyone."

One of the few bright spots of a disappointing season for Liverpool has been the form of striker David Ngog.

The 20-year-old Frenchman has had to shoulder a greater burden during Fernando Torres' absence throughout November and early December.

He has scored six times this campaign, already doubling his return from last season.

Benitez accepts Ngog, an unknown £1million signing from Paris St Germain in July 2008, is far from the finished article but has been pleased with his progress.

"Everyone knows now he has good movement and good quality," said the Liverpool manager.

"I think he will be better every year because he is working hard in every training session and he is important for us now and in the future.

"It is very difficult for a young French player to come here and replace Torres.

"He has done a very good job if you consider all these things together."