With all the Hicks/Gillett/Parry/Champions League Semi-Finals worries running around Anfield, you gotta give to Rafa. He’s been smart about his selections and getting the most out of an above-average squad, finding away to shield the squad from all the outside BS.

If his decision is to rest Fernando Torres for Tuesdays Champions League match at home, it could have two different effects this weekend in their match away at Craven Cottage.

If Torres plays against Fulham USA, he’s have the opportunity to tie the record for most goals scored by a foreigner in his debut season which was set by Ruud Van Nistelrooy of Man Utd in the 2001/02 season. As it stands, Torres has hit the back of the net 22 times this season, with most coming in front of the Kop.

If Torres doesn’t play and you’re a Fulham fan, then you’ve got to be just a little more excited about your chances to get some points out of this match, especially since it was Clint Dempsey’s winner against Liverpool that kept them up last season.

Sorry Neil Warnock and Sheffield United. Maybe this year it will be Steve Coppell and Reading.

image via Football-Wallpapers