Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez warned Everton that Fernando Torres is ready to renew his record of scoring in Merseyside derbies on Sunday.
The Spain international has bagged three in three against our bitter rivals, though missed a golden opportunity to add to that on Monday when he hit the post after going one-on-one with Tim Howard. It was Torres' first start since November, and Benitez expects his hitman to be much sharper this weekend following an intense 85-minute run-out.
"I was impressed with him on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well," Benitez said ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with David Moyes' men.
"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.
"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend."
Asked if he would rotate players on Sunday, Benitez said: "We will see. We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea. Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad."
Benitez expects all of the top sides to drop unexpected points over the coming months.
While Liverpool have slipped up at home to the likes of Hull and Stoke this term, United have stuttered against strugglers Newcastle and Tottenham, while Chelsea were surprised by West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham.
Benitez added: "I think it will continue. The level of the teams in the Premier League is improving. There are teams who can beat you at home or away. Normally the top sides will win more games than they lose, but you can still lose or draw."
"I was impressed with him on Monday. It is not easy to play in a derby when it is so intense. He was exhausted at the end but he did well," Benitez said ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth round clash with David Moyes' men.
"He is very close to full fitness - now it's just about getting match fitness. He needs to play games.
"You know a striker needs to play games and be in front of the goal a few times. That's the key - getting the confidence. The more chances you get the more likely you are to start scoring goals. Hopefully he can score this weekend."
Asked if he would rotate players on Sunday, Benitez said: "We will see. We have plenty of time before the game but we have to think about Wigan and Chelsea. Anyway, I think we have enough quality in the squad."
Benitez expects all of the top sides to drop unexpected points over the coming months.
While Liverpool have slipped up at home to the likes of Hull and Stoke this term, United have stuttered against strugglers Newcastle and Tottenham, while Chelsea were surprised by West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham.
Benitez added: "I think it will continue. The level of the teams in the Premier League is improving. There are teams who can beat you at home or away. Normally the top sides will win more games than they lose, but you can still lose or draw."
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