Fernando Torres, who returned to action in the midweek Champions League defeat to Fiorentina, could make his long awaited return to the Premier League at home to the Gunners on Sunday, kick-off at 16:00 hours (GMT). Liverpool have set their sights on ending the year in the top four, and the visit of third-placed Arsenal is seen as pivotal ahead of the busy festive season. The clash is seen as vital for both clubs, but according to Torres, Liverpool hope to make home advantage count. “Arsenal are doing quite well this season. They are close to the top and playing with young players and doing really good. The mentality of the manager and players is brilliant. But we are playing at Anfield and with the help of our supporters we can beat anyone.”

This season has been Fernando Torres’ most prolific start to a league campaign, with 10 goals in as many matches. With 48 goals in 67 league appearances since joining Liverpool, the Spaniard is close to breaking a long-time club record.

Torres needs to score just two goals in his next 12 Premier League appearances to surpass Liverpool legends Sam Raybould and Albert Stubbins, two footballers who both reached the half century mark in their 80th game for the club.

The Merseysiders approach the Arsenal match three points off a Champions League place. However a recent run of just two wins from their last eight league games means that the Reds now find themselves 12 points adrift of table-topping Chelsea who lead the Premier League ahead of Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger’s side are third, four points ahead of Liverpool and with a game in hand. Their previous trip to Merseyside on 15 August ended in a 6-1 drubbing neighbours Everton.

The two clubs met earlier this campaign as Arsenal defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Emirates Stadium in the Carling Cup. Last season at Anfield the Reds and Gunners played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Torres grabbing two goals.

If results go their way this weekend, all three points could move Liverpool up to fourth spot, on the other hand a defeat could see the Reds slip from seventh down to eighth.