Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez explained why he started matchwinner Fernando Torres on the bench for last night's victory over Wigan Athletic.
Benitez said he held back Torres for his 100th appearance until the second half as the striker is still feeling the effects of having missed six matches since the start of November.
"I wanted to keep him back because he was really tired after the last game (Sunday's defeat to Arsenal).
"I told him I wanted to protect him and it would be good for me to play him at the end and he was good too.
"I think he will be ready for Portsmouth."
Torres' goal helped settle Liverpool's nerves and Benitez admitted confidence was still fragile.
"We had some chances - Yossi Benayoun had one, (David) Ngog had one - and if you score the second goal everything changes," added the manager.
"The main thing for us now is talking about [winning] games in a row, starting at Portsmouth."