Liverpool’s ability to keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League could get its toughest test so far today when the Reds host Wigan Athletic.
It’s not that Wigan are expected to be a more formidable opponent than any of Liverpool’s previous seven, but that star striker Fernando Torres is set to miss the match because of a thigh injury he picked up on international duty for Spain.
Chelsea are at Middlesbrough in another of today’s seven matches, having already shown they can cope with injuries to the likes of Didier Drogba, Deco, Joe Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien. Now it’s Liverpool’s turn.
The teams are tied at the top of the standings with 17 points from seven matches, with Chelsea ahead on goal difference. But with winger Ryan Babel having damaged his ankle on Wednesday while playing for the Netherlands, Liverpool will find it tough to stay there.
Torres scored more than a third of Liverpool’s Premier League goals last season and has netted five of eight so far this time, suggesting that his predicted 10-day absence could hit his team hard.
Dirk Kuyt could fill in for Torres up front alongside Robbie Keane, who has yet to score in the Premier League for his new club.
Another option for Benitez could be to push captain Steven Gerrard further forward as a second striker.
Liverpool might also be worried about their defense, with Martin Skrtel out of action until December because of damaged posterior cruciate ligaments. Egypt striker Amr Zaki has scored five goals in seven league matches for Wigan and could trouble a patched up rearguard.
Chelsea will hope to have captain John Terry fit after the central defender missed two England matches in the past week because of a lower back problem. Left-back Ashley Cole could also miss out, but could easily be replaced by Wayne Bridge, as he was for England.
Manchester United host West Bromwich Albion hoping to make up some ground on the leading pair. The defending champions have stuttered at the start of the season and are six points off the lead, but have a game in hand and the in-form Wayne Rooney up front.
Rooney struck two goals in each of England’s World Cup qualifying wins over Kazakhstan and Belarus and now has seven goals in his last five matches for club and country. West Brom have conceded just one goal in three away matches, but could struggle to contain the striker.
Also today, fourth-place Arsenal host Everton, Aston Villa host Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers host Blackburn Rovers and Fulham host Sunderland.
The Gunners are just four points off the lead, but will be without William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and Nicklas Bendtner for two matches after all three were injured playing for their countries.
Cesc Fabregas broke his nose playing for Spain, but Wenger expects him and the slightly injured Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou to be fit.
Third-place Hull City get the chance to continue their great start when they host West Ham United tomorrow and last-place Tottenham Hotspur are at Stoke City.
Newcastle United play host to Manchester City on Monday.
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