Liverpool vs Chelsea preview

 "I think both of us still look better in red?"

"I guess so..."

Whenever people hear Rafael Benitez's name, they would certainly associate him to Liverpool. Even now, as Chelsea's interim manager, Benitez is still remembered for his heroics during his time at Anfield. Tomorrow, the Spaniard will be in an awkward situation where he is cheered on by his opponent's supporters but booed by his own.

Liverpool-Chelsea encounters were always blockbusters that every football fan wants to watch during the era of Benitez and Jose Mourinho. During the days of Benitez, the Reds squared off with the Blues thrice in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The most memorable match was the ghost goal scored by Liverpool forward Luis Garcia in the second-leg of the 04-05 season. Chelsea crashed out of the competition on aggregate (0:1) while Benitez and his players went on to lift the trophy after a penalty shootout in the final with AC Milan which saw them came from 0:3 down to level the score 3:3.

That Champions League final was arguably Benitez's most famous match in his managerial career. Liverpool supporters like myself can never stop talking about that dramatic night despite the fact that team has not played in Europe's top competition for three years.

Tomorrow's fixture will also see another former Liverpool employee return to Anfield. Fernando Torres, the striker who was at his lethal best during his days at Liverpool, will probably not be in the starting line-up but is expected to make an insignificant appearance in the later stages of the game. Expect Jamie Carragher to give El Nino a couple of good tackles.

Also to watch is Daniel Sturridge, the striker whom Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers signed from Chelsea in the January transfer window. Sturridge will have a point to prove. He struggled at his old club where players like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka overshadowed him. Despite being a natural centre-forward, he was often used on the flanks.

Sturridge made an instant impact at Liverppol but have since failed to find the net in the last two months. The encounter with Chelsea will certainly be a good opportunity for him to make a statement.

Prediction? Liverpool to squeeze out a 2:1 victory. Luis Suarez will bag a brace.