Liverpool travel down to the South coast to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday, kick-off at 12:45 hours (GMT), in the opening match of the Premier League’s weekend fixtures. Fernando Torres came off the bench to score against Wigan in midweek to net league goal number 11 of the campaign. The striker celebrated his 100th appearance for Liverpool with a well-taken goal in the Reds 2-1 win at home to the Latics.

Against Portsmouth the Spaniard could be in line for yet another special day in his impressive career. One goal from Torres away to Pompey would make him the fastest Liverpool player in the history of the club to score 50 league goals.

The ‘Kid’ has scored 49 goals in 69 league appearances for the Anfield outfit and his 50th strike would see Torres break the record currently held by Sam Raybould (1902) and Albert Stubbins (1949), both of whom took 80 games to reach the landmark 50 league goals for Liverpool.

The Reds lie sixth ahead of this weekend’s clash, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa- their opponents in the final game of 2009. Portsmouth are currently bottom of the table five points adrift of Bolton Wanderers who lie 17th.

Saturday’s meeting will be the 13th Premier League fixture between the sides. Liverpool hold the upper-hand with seven victories, three draws and just the two defeats.

Last season’s clash at Fratton Park ended 3-2 to the visitors. Portsmouth and Liverpool were level at two goals apiece until the last minute when up-popped Fernando Torres to head the winner.