Match Preview: Fulham (h)

It’s back to the real deal of Premier League action after the pointless international friendlies in midweek, with Liverpool hosting in-form Fulham at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Rafa Benitez is expected to name striker Fernando Torres in the starting 11 for the first time in a League match for two months as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The Spaniard scored within minutes of coming as sub for his country on Wednesday night and after starting as sub at Bolton last week is expected to lead the line against Roy Hodgson’s Fulham.

Captain Steven Gerrard isn’t likely to start but could feature from the bench, he picked up a knock last week which saw him miss England’s friendly in Germany. He will be back for the Champions League match with Marseille on Wednesday night.

Another who missed internationals in the week is Robbie Keane but he is expected to be fit and therefore team up with Torres up front.

This fixture last season saw Liverpool win 2-0 courtesy of late goals from Torres and Gerrard after Fulham had frustrated the Reds for the opening 80 minutes.

Benitez will welcome full back Alvaro Arbeloa back to the side after he missed the win at Bolton through suspension meaning only Martin Skrtel and Philipp Degen are unavailable.

Javier Mascherano, usually unavailable after internationals due to travelling back from South America, is available as Argentina were only playing in Scotland.

Possible Starting 11: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera, Keane, Torres.