Liverpool's 5 Biggest Fixtures of 2012/13 Season

Most of the footballing world has its attention firmly fixed on some tournament going on in Eastern Europe.

Not to be outdone, the Barclay's Premier League cooked up some excitement of its own today by releasing the fixtures list for 2012/13.

And while it is a bit early, I feel it's never too soon to begin speculating on the games to watch.

In Liverpool's case, the year will be particularly front loaded. If Brendan Rodgers expects to ease into his time on Merseyside he should think again.

Here is a list of the five biggest matches facing the Reds when club football returns.

August 18, 2012: West Bromwich Albion

Brendan Rodgers much anticipated debut comes against a post-Hodgson West Brom side.

Liverpool desperately need a win here. It sets the tempo for the early season. Plus, the Reds face the top three finishers from this season over the following four games.

August 25, 2012: Manchester City

Rodgers and his Reds get the defending champions in their second match.

Looking to make a big statement as new manager? There would be no better way than three points here.

October 27, 2012: Everton

The first Merseyside Derby of the new year is a big one.

The Kop will no doubt be tired of hearing that they finished eighth to Everton's seventh. Anfield will be out to prove once more that they are the city's better half.

Expect a street fight here and hopefully another Gerrard hat trick.

November 24, 2012: Swansea City

Liverpool has hired Swansea City's manager. Soon they might add a second notch to their belt and take star midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Should the Swans win here as they did twice last season, alarm bells might be sounding on Merseyside.

April 20, 2013: Chelsea

Both teams enjoyed Cup success in 2011/12, but fell far short in the league. They will expect far better this time around.

Should Rodgers live up to the loftiest of expectations, this late clash against Chelsea could be a massive one.