Their 2-0 loss to Chelsea last time out was their third defeat in eight league matches and has left them six points behind the table-topping Londoners.
Another loss at the Stadium of Light, combined with wins for Chelsea at Aston Villa and Manchester United at home to Bolton Wanderers would leave Rafa Benitez's side with a mountain to climb.
While they were winning and reaching the final of Europe's elite competition the fans could just about swallow it but when Manchester United equalled their record of 18 titles last season enough was enough.
Assistant manager Sammy Lee, a key midfielder in the 1980s when Anfield league titles came along like London busess, told the club's website (www.liverpool.tv) that high-pressure games were the norm.
"At this football club, every week is massive," he said.
"It's been a mixed start to the season - there have been some good points and some bad. But it's still only October and we're going to be working very hard to ensure we're there or thereabouts come the end of the season in all competitions."
Steven Gerrard missed England's World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Wednesday with a groin strain but could feature on Saturday, while Fernando Torres was excused boots from Spain's game against Bosnia having played 55 minutes against Armenia on Saturday.
"There is no window for us to have any kind of international hangover - we don't have that luxury," Lee said.
Chelsea's win over Liverpool was the perfect riposte after their perfect start to the season had been ended by Wigan Athletic and they face another stiff test at Villa.
