Manchester United vs Liverpool: 5 current rivals who were former teammates

#1. Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Sturridge & Mata.

Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata were only teammates at Chelsea for one and a half years, but they formed a pretty prolific partnership with each other pretty quickly. Sturridge was the key striker under Andre Vilas-Boas and had new Blues signing Mata right behind him.

The striker's effect would wane as Roberto Di Matteo came in and Didier Drogba being vastly favored over him. He still won the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012, alongside the Spaniard. Sturridge struggled during the following season as well and decided to leave Chelsea for Liverpool in January 2013.

Mata had a similar experience the following season as he fell out of favor under Jose Mourinho and joined Manchester United in January 2014. Funnily enough, the former Valencia and Chelsea man became a key player under Mourinho at Old Trafford. Sturridge has had an up-and-down time at Liverpool, proving himself as a lethal frontman but one who was plagued with injuries.

That ruined his momentum following Suarez's departure and his Liverpool career seemed dead. But now, he is still here and could potentially play a part in Liverpool's current Premier League title challenge.

The Reds face their biggest test in this crazy season so far on Sunday, but will they leave Manchester with flying colors?