ROY Hodgson has made finishing above Villa for the first time in 33 years Albion's top priority after all-but securing Barclays Premier League safety.

The 13th-placed Baggies are in a strong position heading into their final four matches, with Alex McLeish's men seven points adrift, plus a game in hand.

Albion could also confirm their place as the West Midland's top dog when they host Villa on Saturday week (ko 3pm) if results go in their favour.

The Baggies' visit to Liverpool on Sunday (ko 4pm) is sandwiched by the Claret-and-Blues' two home games against Sunderland on Saturday and Bolton on Tuesday before the big derby.

"We've actually talked about it and it would be our next major goal," said Hodgson.

"I'm aware that our ambition is to keep things going and do as well as we can over the next four games.

"There is no question of 'we've done it, now we're on holiday' - every Premier League game is worth a lot of money in terms of placing and in terms of prestige.

"You want to give a good performance wherever you go, irrespective of your league position.

"We saw Wolverhampton go to Sunderland, in a very difficult game and get a draw, and you could argue they haven't got an awful lot to play for.

"But like ourselves and other clubs they respect the league.

"You have to go out and do your best.

"But, if we have a goal, that would definitely be the goal - to break what is neither a record or a hoodoo, but a fact of life that it's a long time to be below an important rival in the city.

"To have 33 years where you've always seen a rival finish above you is a long time.

"Now is our time to try and break that.

"We have a great opportunity of course because we're also playing them."

Albion last finished above Villa in the 1978/79 season when they came third in the top flight, five places and 13 points ahead.