Sequels tend to be commissioned by popular demand and in anticipation of public approval. The fifth instalment of Liverpool and Chelsea in Europe, in contrast, is something neither wanted. This is an ongoing saga where both parties harbour a desire for revenge, where barely disguised enmity and mutual sense of caution mean thoughts of a footballing fiesta are swiftly discarded and where attrition dwarfs ambition. Such games produce a scarcity of goals - 10 in their eight Champions League encounters - but a surfeit of controversy.
Liverpool and Chelsea renew acquaintances at Anfield tonight in the knowledge that they possess an unrivalled capacity to inflict pain upon one another and that they have a recent record of each winning the trophy the other covets most. Enmity and envy are merged in a clash of philosophies. The nouveau riche concept of buying success is scorned at Anfield, perhaps a reason why Jamie Carragher, the embodiment of Liverpool, tends to produce his most defiant displays against Chelsea. History is less of an issue to a club who reinvented themselves in 2003, but long to be crowned kings of Europe to validate Roman Abramovich's regime.
Despite a consistent record of achievement, the Champions League represents a graveyard for Chelsea managers; three left, in part, for a failure to win it and a fourth - Luiz Felipe Scolari - amid fears they would not qualify for next season's. Guus Hiddink, a winner in 1988 with PSV Eindhoven, may insist he will return to Russia next season but victory over the two legs would test that resolve. His chances will be boosted should Didier Drogba recover from the calf injury that meant he missed Saturday's victory at Newcastle. Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa, unused at St James' Park, are also available. Given Liverpool's tally of 14 goals in their last four matches, recalls for the Portuguese pair are anticipated.
Yet free-flowing football is rarely evident in such games. Liverpool may shed a reputation for negativity if Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres can continue in such scintillating vein. Indeed, the captain's remarkable form has led his striker partner to insist: "I think he is the best in the world." In a tie notable for the personal duels, however, Chelsea's Florent Malouda was as quick to suggest Frank Lampard is a superior player to Gerrard.
Defensive totems, rather than attack-minded midfielders, tend to dominate. The lack of goals in previous meetings is indicative of the two teams' tactics. Chelsea often defend too deep to be caught out by Rafa Benitez's beloved counter-attacks. Liverpool's formidable defensive organisation means they are the side most likely to thwart Chelsea. Their most dependable central defender believes domestic form, rather than Champions League pedigree, may be crucial. "The fact we did the double against them might give us that extra confidence," said Carragher, aware Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the eventual winner will be Manchester United's major rival for the Premier League title. History suggests they will prove his principal challenger for the Champions League crown as well. @Email:rjolly@thenational.ae Liverpool v Chelsea, ART Sport 4, KO 10.45pm
