Preview: Liverpool vs. Chelsea

Two sides with aspirations of securing European football for next season meet at Anfield on Saturday when Liverpool host Chelsea in the Premier League.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez will return to Anfield for the first time since leaving the club in 2010.

Liverpool have lost ground on the Europa League places after drawing their past two games, including last weekend's 0-0 stalemate at Reading.

The Blues, meanwhile, will be hoping to strengthen their hold on third place with a victory on Merseyside. They currently occupy the third spot in the Premier League, with a three-point gap between them and fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues have won four of their last six matches, including Wednesday evening's 3-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could decide to bring Stewart Downing back into the side after he was dropped to the bench at Reading. Raheem Sterling faces a late fitness test after missing the Reds' last two games with a thigh injury.

Benitez has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game. He could start former Liverpool frontman Fernando Torres or replace him with Demba Ba, who came off the bench against Fulham.

Recent form

Liverpool: WWLWDD

Chelsea: LWWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard; Sturridge, Suarez, Coutinho

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Bertrand; Ramires, Lampard; Moses, Mata, Hazard; Torres

Sports Mole says: 1-1