Another rematch from 2005, but one with a whole lot more back story, as it is this tie which will essentially define Jose Mourinho's legacy at Chelsea.

For all he has achieved in his short career at Stamford Bridge, it will be regarded as a failure if he fails to win the Champions League given his resources . . .particularly so if it is Rafa Benitez who again outwits him.

As such, despite the contrasting performances of both sides in the Premiership, this tie is a reversal of the one two years ago. Back then, Liverpool were relying on the Champions League to save their season. Now, Chelsea are relying on it to save their manager. And though Liverpool's indifferent recent league performances suggests they are staggering their best form for a similar assault, their European campaign so far hasn't carried the same sense of destiny as Chelsea's. In each of the Londoners' four knock-out games they've gone behind, only for their reserves of character and quality to carry them through. This is the one Chelsea really want.

Not that this will be so harumscarum however. Benitez's tactics should make sure of that.

No doubt he will try and play it as he did two years ago, their compact midfield . . . now with Javier Mascherano . . . frustrating Chelsea in London before sucker-punching them in Anfield.

Mourinho, however, has surely learnt his lesson about leaving it to the second leg. With their current momentum, expect Chelsea to try and batter Liverpool into submission from the wings early on, with the likes of Didier Drogba and Michael Essien at their most high-octane.

Mourinho has already buried one old foe in Frank Rijkaard this season. The indomitable spirit he has injected into his side this season should see him half-way to doing it again.

Verdict Home win