With Liverpool visiting Stamford Bridge on Sunday, fans of Arsenal and Manchester United will hope that Fernando Torres is declared fit. Having come off during Spain’s friendly against France with what’s thought to be a hamstring problem the task of beating the Avram Grant’s side would be made that bit more difficult without the Spaniard.
With 18 goals this season (just one less than Crouch, Voronin and Kuyt combined) ‘El Niño’ has become vital to Liverpool since his big money arrival in the summer. It’s a credit to him that he has adapted so quickly, we’ve seen players with more experience struggle in England, but without him Liverpool are relatively toothless.
There are very few goals from midfield in this Liverpool side. Gerrard gets some, Benayoun’s hat-trick against Havant & Waterlooville doesn’t really count but he knows where the goal is, and beyond that the midfielders just don’t score enough. Kuyt and Voronin up front are mid-table players at best. So there’s a big onus on Torres to get the goals.
With Liverpool still to travel to Arsenal and United after the Chelsea game they can play an important part in where the title ends up. This weekend Liverpool’s chance of getting anything at Stamford Bridge lies with Torres. His pace and ability will cause the Chelsea defence problems. He scored a marvelous goal against them early in the season, and as much as Liverpool fans hope he does it again, so too will those of Arsenal and United who will hope to put a bit more daylight between themselves and the West London Russians.
Bad news for Gooners and Red Devils - looks like he’s out.