Liverpool - Chelsea: Champions League Preview

With the midweek internationals safely out of the way and only minor knocks sustained, the clubs remaining in the Champions League will certainly have one eye on the quarter finals next week.

For two teams, there is a distinct air of familiarity about their opponents. Liverpool and Chelsea have been here before.

The last five years have seen the Reds face Chelsea in every Champions' League and 23 times in total, an astonishing statistic that underlines just how well these clubs will know each other's game by now.

Not only that, but old grudges and arguments will inevitably resurface from the previous encounters, most notably the 'phantom' Luis Garcia goal that set Liverpool on the way to their fifth title and Rafa's diving rant at Didier Drogba before the striker resoundingly answered with two tie-winning goals. The history can only add to the spice of the occasion.

Form-wise, it would appear that audiences are in for a treat.

Liverpool's renaissance is well documented, seeing the club rocket in the estimations of Europe's elite. Victories against the reigning European champions and the most decorated club in the competition's history have boosted confidence as well as the  fear factor amongst their rivals. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has even go so far as to say they are the hardest club to beat in the continent.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have looked back to their imperious best under Dutch mastermind Guus Hiddink. The slip-up against Tottenham aside, Hiddink has overseen a renaissance of the Mourinho era, with the Blues looking difficult to beat and much grittier than under Scolari. They are back to being battlers.

Stamford Bridge has also seen the resurgence of an old hero, a man some supporters had given up on. Didier Drogba has shone under the guidance of the new management and is the type of player that makes matches a real toil for centre-backs. The type of toil that Jamie Carragher revels in.

Hiddink and Benitez might be worlds apart in terms of careers at their clubs, but in style, the men follow similar approaches.

They both have a history of over-achievement in cup competitions, most memorably Hiddink taking South Korea to the semi-finals of the World Cup and Benitez conquering Europe with a frankly average-at-best Djimi Traore in the side. Both also have a reputation for a cool head and an emotionally-detached approach, with strong belief in a disciplined regime.

Both are also widely regarded as the best in the business.

Crucially, the fixtures of the last five years have seen the tenure of four different managers for Chelsea, whilst Liverpool have stuck with one man that they believe is right for the job. Benitez has researched these opponents so often, he probably knows their shoe sizes. This experience could prove telling.

For the two clubs, this is the biggest chance for silverware this season, despite Liverpool's recent form in the league. Not only that, but there is a huge carrot dangling over the final in Rome: a possible date with Manchester United. The team who beat Chelsea on penalties to win last year's competition. The team Liverpool regard as their fiercest rival.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but that night in Rome could see an atmosphere beyond boiling point if the winner of this tie makes it there.