After securing a place in the World Cup finals with Spain, Fernando Torres returns to Premier League action with Liverpool against Burnley at Anfield, kick-off at 15:00 hours (BST). With several Liverpool players having been away on international duty, coach Rafa Benitez has had very little time to prepare for Saturday’s clash against one of the league’s new boys.

Burnley returned to the top-flight after a 33-year absence via the Championships play-offs. The game at Anfield will signal the first league meeting between the two clubs since 1976. On that day David Fairclough struck twice as Liverpool ran-out 2-0 winners.

The last match between the two clubs took place in England’s knock-out club competition in 2005. The Clarets defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the FA Cup third-round clash played on January 18 2005. An own goal from Red defender Djimi Traore was enough to condemn the Merseysiders to an early exit.

The Lancashire club, who are one of the founder members of the Football League in 1888, have won two First Division titles, and one FA Cup. Their FA Cup triumph came against Liverpool back in the 1913/14 season.

Owen Coyle’s team have taken six points from the first four games. Their first match at Turf Moor saw the underdogs beat defending Premier League champions Manchester United 1-0. The Clarets also defeated Everton at home, but they have failed to pick up a point on their travels.

After losing two of their opening four matches, Liverpool beat Bolton Wanderers 3-2 at the Reebok Stadium to move up to six points. Fernando Torres hit his third goal of the season as Liverpool came back from behind twice.
The Spaniard grabbed the Merseysiders’ second of the afternoon before later setting up teammate and club captain Steve Gerrard for the all-important winner.

When Saturday’s final whistle blows, Liverpool’s attentions will turn to the Champions League. The Reds will face Hungarian side Debreceni in their opening group match at Anfield on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:45 hours (BST).