When you take a look at the Premier League table, there are some warning signs about just how difficult it is going to be for Liverpool to be in the Champions League places come the end of May.
Not that they aren't well equipped and having over the past few years primarily been a second half of the season kind of team the best is yet to come. Even so, the worst thing that the Reds could do is to continue to drop points against inferior sides.
Although the season is still young, no manager would want to be chasing instead of leading the pack for a Champions League spot.
For the what is recently been dubbed the "sexy six", the title over the past five seasons has not been won by taking the most points off those in this same group. Not to undervalue the importance of these clashes, but the point total from these matches is about the same for each squad season on season.
The top spots are won or lost more on taking all three points on an away trip to a place like the Hawthorns did against Manchester United.
With the addition of Scott Parker, Tottenham look very strong. Redknapp is still keen on relieving his Spurs squad of the burden of the Europa League as soon as possible. Having been so easily brushed aside in their trip to White Hart Lane, the Reds will have to prove their worth.
So many quickly dismissed Wenger's men, but it is obvious the Arsenal are going to be in and round the fourth spot come the end of the season. Putting a string of wins together is vital for Dalglish's side before the hectic holiday period.
Coming out the other side of this period in a strong position would go a long way to getting the Reds across the finish line in a Champions League spot.
Last weekend Norwich were well worth their point, but should consider themselves lucky Liverpool were unable to make another first half of dominance pay off. The positives are that this squad creates a host of chances, but obviously they need to do better bulging the old onion bag.
In midweek, Andy Carroll had one of his better performances of the season which of course isn't saying much, but his understanding with Suarez looks to have turned a corner and I would expect both to start this weekend.
Gerrard will be looking to get back into the fold and sharpening his touch. Lucas should slip back after suspension, as he was just the player Liverpool needed when the game started to slip against the Canaries at Anfield.
Against Aston Villa, Hodgson was confident enough to pair Odemwinge and Shane Long together up top with the former in more of a supporting role. Long seems to be a good buy as he has led the West Brom line well and been rewarded with some goals.
Thankfully for the Reds, Long will not be in the squad when they travel to the Hawthorns. In his stead will be Simon Tchoyi ahead of a five man midfield. Given the way Liverpool's matches have fared, the short-lived Reds manager will like to frustrate the Reds in the early going and hit them on the break.
After coming out of the gates in impressive fashion, Downing has been anonymous for many of the matches as of late. I would look for him to fashion a number of balls into the box and take advantage of Carroll in the box should he start. West Brom are bereft of pace on the right hand side of defense so this should be a point of attack.
The key to the match will of course be Luis Suarez.
After his career highlight of a goal against Stoke City in the Carling cup, his confidence should be restored after missing a number of opportunities in the last two fixtures. If he can unsettle the decent center back pairing and avoid the niggling tackles from West Brom players, there are goals to be had for the Reds.
After their profligacy in front of goal, Kenny I am sure will insist that his team take on a killer instinct in the first half and brush of the Baggies before the half time whistle. Considering West Brom won this fixture towards the end of last season, it will not be easy.
But lets hope the Reds are taking three points home with them come Saturday evening and on to bigger and better things.
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