The Reds have so far defeated Manchester United at home and Chelsea away with a trip to Arsenal awaiting on December 21.

Tomorrow's trip to Bolton for the early kick-off may be utmost on the players' minds now, especially after their embarrassing midweek 4-2 defeat at Tottenham in the Carling Cup, but Babel knows titles are won and lost with results against the other members of the big four.

"At the end of the season I think the difference will be the games we play against the top sides," said the Dutch international.

"We have already beaten Manchester United and Chelsea so hopefully we can take points from Arsenal as well now.

"But we try not to look at the others and focus on ourselves.

"It's clear that these next few months will be very important. We have a lot of games to play but it's very important to keep everybody fit and try to win most of the games we play."

With that in mind manager Rafael Benitez will be looking for an instant response after a second defeat at White Hart Lane in less than a month.

Liverpool can go three points clear of Chelsea with a win at the Reebok Stadium and the Spaniard, unhappy with the way his reserve side defended against Spurs, is certain to make wholesale changes.

Jamie Carragher's return will add some stability to the back four while captain Steven Gerrard, left behind on Merseyside in midweek, is guaranteed a place in midfield.

There is also the prospect of record signing Fernando Torres being included for his first league start since October 5 after a hamstring tear.

The Spain striker was given an 18-minute comeback in the 3-0 victory at home to West Brom last weekend and he played 56 minutes against Spurs.

Torres is keen to add to his five goals this season and he believes once he returns to full match fitness he will have a good chance of beating the 33 he scored in the last campaign.

For that to happen he is relying on some reliable service from summer signing Albert Riera - especially as the pair have only started four matches together so far.

"He's a different player to what we've had because he is a real winger," Torres told the official LFC Magazine.

"He is capable of going on the outside or coming inside. He can dribble and cross - he is a complete player. He is really important to the team already.

"As a striker, it is great to have someone who can cross the ball so well.

"Having him in the team should create more space for the other forwards because defenders need to watch Albert. That should help the rest of us get more opportunities."