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Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield for the first time since leaving as Chelsea visit Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
The Spaniard enjoyed a successful six year tenure in Merseyside, winning the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as challenging Manchester United for the Premier League title.
He will have to put all sentiments aside though as the interim Chelsea boss is firmly locked in a fight for fourth place and Champions League football.
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The Blues have found it difficult in recent seasons against Liverpool and they have only won once out of their last six visits to Anfield.
Chelsea have also failed to win in any of their last five games against the Reds.
They did, however, enjoy a 3-0 midweek win over London rivals Fulham in which centre backs David Luiz and John Terry (x2) scored the goals to send them third.
As Chelsea still have to play Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton, it is vital they turn around their Anfield form if they are to secure a top four finish.
Constrastingly, Liverpool’s season seems to be coming to a fairly timid close as two consecutive 0-0 draws with West Ham and then Reading can prove.
An incentive for the Reds is that local rivals Everton are still within touching distance in sixth, six points ahead with five games left to play.
Team News:
Chelsea will need to make a decision on whether Captain John Terry retains his place in the line up after a fine display midweek. Terry has seemingly failed to impress Benitez in an injury-hit season.
Defenders Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole have both returned to training and are in contention for Sunday’s squad.
Marko Marin is another who has returned from injury and could provide good cover in the end of season run in.
Former Kop idol Fernando Torres could start in attack.
Key Players:
Despite heavy criticism, and a huge price tag, Fernando Torres has reached 20 goals this season, a feat that most Premier League strikers would be pleased with.
He will be as focused as ever to prove his critics wrong by playing an important role on Sunday and the rest of the season.
The PFA Player of the Year nominated duo of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard have a combined total of 30 goals between them and will be looking to increase that number against Liverpool.
The match is live on Sky Sports 1 at 4:00 pm (UK time) and The Anfield Opinion will keep you up to date with all the latest post match action.
