MANY footballers have their preferred grounds. Few, though, can lay claim to a favourite post code.

But punch SW6 into the team coach’s SatNav, and Liverpool FC midfielder Maxi Rodriguez suddenly begins rubbing his hands in anticipation.

In three visits to the plush London district during 2011, the diminutive Argentine has scored five times, netting in both recent Liverpool FC wins over Chelsea to add to his memorable treble at Fulham towards the end of last season.

Liverpool FC return to Craven Cottage this evening aiming to complete their own particular hat-trick of wins in the capital and keep pace in the battle for a top-four berth and Champions League qualification.

Having persistently saluted the strength of his squad this season, Dalglish now finds it put to the test with the Anfield outfit beginning life without influential midfielder Lucas Leiva, who will not play again this season after suffering serious knee damage at Stamford Bridge last week.

Of course, one player’s injury is another’s opportunity.

And few have grasped that particular concept better than Maxi, who, soon to celebrate his 31st birthday, is regarded as one of the “elder statesmen” in the squad by Dalglish alongside Jamie Carragher and Craig Bellamy.

Certainly, the Argentine has contributed when called upon, netting a remarkable 10 times in his last nine starts.

Although a regular feature in the Carling Cup, Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive had nudged Maxi on to the sidelines in the Premier League until he marked his first top-flight start of the campaign at Chelsea eight days ago by netting the opener in an impressive 2-1 win.