Liverpool vs. Chelsea: Biggest Storylines to Watch for in Thrilling EPL Clash

Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield this week for another installment of their epic rivalry that has continued to grow over their time in the Premier League.

It might not have the feel of a North London derby or even that of the recent Manchester derbies, but the underlying tension of Liverpool's build-from-within coming up against Chelsea's buy-what-you-can has this one marked as a must-watch fixture this weekend.

The Reds have had a somewhat tumultuous year in the Premier League and appear destined to miss out on European football as a result this season. The Blues, however, are in line for a top-four finish this year and will be desperate to ensure they don't drop any points this weekend—especially since Arsenal already won against Fulham on Saturday.

There's plenty to look forward to in this thrilling matchup and several top storylines to keep an eye out for throughout the game. Read on to see the biggest storylines for this thrilling EPL clash on Sunday.

Can Fernando Torres and Demba Ba Click Together?

Chelsea bought Fernando Torres from Liverpool for £50 million; they bought for Demba Ba for £7 million. And whilst it's probably a bit up in the air as to which one of the two has been the better buy for Chelsea according to their fans, the reality is that the pair haven't been able to get going together as much as the Blues have wanted.

That could all change this weekend, however, when Torres and Ba could potentially line up in the same starting team when they travel to Anfield.

Torres—a former Red—knows Anfield well and will have no fear playing away at the Reds. Ba too will have a point to prove after choosing Chelsea over Liverpool in the transfer window and will be desperate to establish a permanent position in the Blues' starting side.

If the pair can get going in this one, they'll be very tough to stop, even playing away from London against a good defense such as Liverpool's. If not, however, then the home side could hold a real advantage here, and that could well define the final outcome.

Will Liverpool's Attack Find Space Against Chelsea's Gritty Defense?

Liverpool's attacking line has come under some criticism in the past few years—largely thanks to the purchase of Andy Carroll—but Brendan Rodgers has done wonders in the most recent transfer window to bring in talent that will provide an effective partner for Luis Suarez.

Daniel Sturridge has been superb for the Reds and will no doubt be looking for a big performance against his former club, and the arrival of Philippe Coutinho has been well received also.

However, the biggest question remaining is whether they'll be able to find space against Chelsea's gritty defense or whether they'll be forced into playing long balls and a quick, counterattacking style of play. For if they do, you'd have to think the Blues have an advantage.

Liverpool are at their best when they can get the ball to Suarez on the ground and allow him to create the attack. None of their strikers are particularly strong in the air—at least not compared to the Blues' defenders—and so they must continue to work the ball around to find the Uruguayan in space.

For if not, the Blues' defense may well chalk up another clean sheet—as they have done in over a third of their Premier League matches this season.

Rafa Benitez—Favored More by Reds or by Blues?

Perhaps the most fascinating storyline to watch this week is surrounding Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez and which set of supporters receive him better.

Benitez made his name as a Liverpool manager and is a living legend at the Merseyside club—taking them to two Champions League finals, including that memorable victory in 2005. He isn't, however, as well received in West London (largely thanks to his Liverpool success) and has not at all won over the fans since his arrival to Stamford Bridge.

Thus, it will be fascinating to see which set of fans applaud Benitez, if any applaud at all. Liverpool will know that Benitez' departure in 2010 was somewhat of a shock, and they may not have forgiven the Spaniard now that he's working for the "money grubbers" over in West London.

Chelsea, as well, haven't responded well to Benitez, though this may well be the game that they choose to support him—if he can earn them a win.

Victory could well change their opinion of him and, whilst he's still likely to leave at the end of the year, could make the final few weeks in charge a little more pleasant for Benitez at Stamford Bridge.

A loss, however, would simply ensure a horrible final few weeks in charge.

It's going to be a match worth watching, that's for sure.

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