BARCELONA -- Barcelona's Dutch international midfielder Phillip Cocu is hoping the New Year will bring a change in fortunes for the underperforming Catalan Club.

"We have to improve in a number of areas and show that we are still capable of fighting for the league title," Cocu was quoted as saying by sports daily ***Marca*** on Wednesday.

Barcelona, who lost 2-0 to local rivals Espanyol in the last match before the Christmas break, lie eighth in the Spanish first division, six points adrift of leaders Deportivo Coruna.

But the Dutchman believes that with home advantage in four of their next five league matches, the Catalans can get their season back on track, Reuters reported.

"Nothing has been lost," he said.

"We are starting afresh once more and, with a series of games at the Nou Camp and the return of a number of injured players, we have to be confident that we can get back into contention for the title chase."

Combative midfielder Luis Enrique has been given the all-clear to play after five weeks out with a thigh strain, while Swedish international defender Patrik Andersson also returns to action after nearly a month out.

But the most eagerly waited return is that of Rivaldo.

The influential Brazilian forward, who has played only seven of Barcelona's 17 league games this season, is expected to be available for Sunday's home game against mid-table Real Zaragoza after resting a troublesome groin injury.

Cocu, who has captained Barcelona for much of the season, believes the fight for the league title is still very open and that a good run of results will see his team back at the top of the table.

"For some years now the league has been more unpredictable and the top teams have lost a lot of points. so, if we can make a good start to 2002, I am convinced we will be up there fighting for the title."