Far Post: Liverpool v Fulham in bits

September 07: After scoring for Spain in a 2-0 win over Latvia, Torres nets in only one of his next six Liverpool appearances - against Reading in the Carling Cup when he hit a hat-trick.

October 07: Injured in training with Spain. During the next month makes just one appearance against Arsenal before limping off. Scores in first game after his recovery - as a sub against today's opponents Fulham at Anfield.

February 08: Injured in friendly against France and misses Liverpool's trip to Chelsea. But scores a hat-trick on his next Premier League appearance against MIddlesbrough - which kicks off a run of 10 goals in eight games.

Euro 08: Scores winner in final against Germany and - typically with no club football to return to - emerges unscathed from tournament.

Oct 08: Tears hamstring against Belgium inn World Cup qualifier. Yet to score in three Liverpool games since coming back.

WORDS OF WISDOM

"It was good to see so many of our players involved because it shows how important Liverpool are. I was especially pleased for Arbeloa and Riera."

Rafael Benitez suddenly takes to international football for his players - helps that they didn't get injured, of course

"He feels lonely there, doesn't have any friends."

Zenit goalkeeper Kamil Contofalsky speaks somewhat dubiously on behalf of former team-mate Martin Skrtel

"And also the local paparazzi follow him all the time."

Contofalsky again - now you know he's making it up

BET ON IT

Fulham have not won at Anfield in 21 visits, while when Mark Halsey has refereed a Liverpool match, Benitez's side have lost just two in 17. A home win would look a banker but the odds of 2-7 don't appeal. Maybe a fit-again Torres can become only the second Liverpool player to score a hat-trick against Fulham since Billy Liddell hit a treble in 1954.

Torres to score a hat-trick (18-1 BlueSquare, 888sport).