Fernando Torres could make his 100th appearance in all competitions for Liverpool on Wednesday night as the Red look to close in on the top four when they face Wigan Athletic at Anfield, kick-off at 20:00 hours (GMT). Six points from the last 15 possible have seen the Reds slip down to eighth in the league and seven points off a Champions League spot for next season. Wigan arrive for the midweek fixture placed 14th, two points above relegation.

After enjoying a 90 minute run-out at home to Arsenal on Sunday, Fernando Torres will be hoping to add to his impressive 10 goals in 11 Premier League appearances.

Although the Spaniard has spent a month on the sidelines, the striker is still very much in the hunt for the Barclays top scorer award. Torres is just three goals behind the current leader, Chelsea forward Didier Drogba.

The club’s top scorer has hit 48 goals in 68 league appearances since joining Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007. His excellent goal per game ratio has the Spaniard just two goals short from breaking a long-time club record.

Torres needs to find the net just two times in his next 11 league appearances to surpass Liverpool legends Sam Raybould and Albert Stubbins. These two footballers both reached the half century mark in their 80th game for the club.

Liverpool have never lost to Wigan, winning eight of their 10 league and cup encounters to date. The Latics’ best result at Anfield was a 1-1 draw in January 2008. Torres opened his goalscoring account against the Latics in the 1-1 draw with Wigan on Merseyside. The forward converted a cross from Finnan on 49 minutes to put the Reds in front, but a late goal from Titus Bramble cancelled out the Spaniard’s opener.

Last season Liverpool edged Wigan 3-2 at Anfield. The game looked headed for a draw until Dirk Kuyt grabbed all three points for the home side with a late strike.

Following the Reds match at home to the Latics, Liverpool face Portsmouth away on 19 Saturday, Wolverhampton at home on Boxing Day, and third-placed Aston Villa at Villa Park on 29 December in what will be the Merseysiders final match of 2009.