Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed star striker Fernando Torres is in contention to start the home clash with Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. The Spain star came off the bench during Wednesday night’s Champions League defeat to Fiorentina after a month on the sidelines with groin trouble. Torres could be joined in the side by £20m midfielder Alberto Aquilani who made his full debut in midweek, while there is an outside chance Dutchman Ryan Babel could shake off ankle trouble. Liverpool, who have won just three games in their last 14 in all competitions, face an injury-ridden Arsenal side which will be without Tomas Rosicky, Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs, Niclas Bendtner and Gael Clichy. Arsenal know they can keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United with all three points while the Reds need to win if they are to improve on seventh place. One Gunners star who isn\'t injured is Andrei Arshavin, who will be trying to re-accomplish last seasons performance when he scored four goals in a 4-4 draw in this fixture.

Quick Check

Liverpool

  • Leading scorer Fernando Torres is set to return after a five-week lay-off with a groin problem.
  • Alberto Aquilani could finally start his first Premier League game after an injury lay-off.
  • Liverpool are unbeaten at home in the league in the last three months.
  • The last four meetings between the two sides have ended in score draws.
  • Rafa Benitez’s side has kept successive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time this term.
  • Liverpool have won only three of their last 14 games in all competitions.
  • The Reds have conceded in seven of their last ten league outings.

Arsenal

  • Midfielder Alex Song is available after a one-match ban.
  • Winger Theo Walcott is also hoping to return after a hamstring strain.
  • Andre Arshavin scored all four goals in last season’s 4-4 draw at Anfield.
  • Striker Robin van Persie is out for up to five months after ankle surgery.
  • Midfielder Tomas Rosicky is facing a month out with groin trouble.
  • Left backs Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs are sidelined by long-term back and foot injuries.
  • Nicklas Bendtner and Abou Diaby are struggling to overcome groin and calf problems in time.
  • The Gunners have taken only nine points out of a possible 21 on the road this season.

Expert Advice

After a below-par first four months of the campaign, boss Rafa Benitez has been keen to emphasise that a new season begins for Liverpool this weekend and victory over Arsenal would be the perfect way to start it. The restoration of Fernando Torres in attack again will be a major boost while Alberto Aquilani’s much-anticipated presence in midfield will help take some of the pressure off the over-burdened Steven Gerrard. Arsenal’s squad is still heavily depleted by injury but, with Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas leading their attack, the Gunners still have more than enough weapons to hurt Liverpool. It would be harsh to expect another thriller like last season but another tight entertaining game looks in prospect, so Betsson’s odds of 3.35 for there to be over 3.5 goals appears a value bet.

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