Jose Enrique believes home form and particularly results against their nearest rivals for a Champions League spot remains key for Liverpool.

The impact of defeat to Manchester United at the weekend was lessened by losses suffered by Chelsea and Newcastle, with only Arsenal winning in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

But even though the Gunners moved into fourth it was only by virtue of goals scored and the gap between Liverpool, in seventh, and Champions League qualification remains four points.

With both Arsenal, next month, and Chelsea, in the Reds' final home match of the season, still to visit, Enrique believes addressing poor form at Anfield will be key in the race to return to Europe's elite.

"We lost (against United) but the truth is that we have to win more games at home," he said.

"We are still in the race to be in the Champions League next season.

"It's hard but Chelsea and Arsenal have lost many points too. Chelsea lost this weekend and we can't forget Newcastle.

"It's really important that we have to play these teams at home and we'll have another man - you play with 12 with our fans."

Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield this season but have won just four of 12 matches, having drawn against Sunderland, Norwich, Swansea, Blackburn, Stoke, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.

"It is hard to beat Manchester United at home but against teams like Blackburn and Swansea (both draws) at home we need to win the points," the Spaniard told Liverpool's official website.

"There are many games left and we have to beat many teams to try and be there.

"You never know in football - that's why everyone likes it. But we're still in the race."