El Nino and Stevie G hold key to Liverpool's future

Following a recent run of form Liverpool have clawed themselves back into contention for the coveted final Champions League spot.

Rafael Benitez's side currently lie one point off fourth placed Spurs and have been boosted by the return to fitness of striker Fernando Torres and skipper Steven Gerrard.

As a result Liverpool are now many people's favourite to make the top-four, a feat which looked beyond them a couple of months ago.

There is not much to say about Torres that has not already been said, but in the Spaniard's absence Liverpool netted just six times in six matches as they lack a like-for-like replacement.

When he is in the team Liverpool average almost two goals a game compared to just over one goal a game when he is missing.

Sunday's game against Blackburn was the first time Gerrard and Torres had started together in the league since December and they proved their worth by netting a goal each in the 2-1 win.

Torres has notched up 41 Fantasy League points this season, scoring points in nine of the 15 games he has started meaning an average of 2.53 points per start.

Talented players are coveted across Europe and the world, Torres and Gerrard are no exception, and should they fail to secure Liverpool a Champions League spot there will be plenty of clubs circling the pair.

Liverpool have budgeted for Champions League football and without it they will be forced to sell, the best players will have to go and they will have to build a new team which could take years.

It's therefore critical that Torres continues to find the net this season, starting with a very winnable trip to Wigan on Monday night, and those Fantasy League managers who have him in their team will hope the goals, and the points, fly in.