Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden believes the Champions League semi-final tie against his former club Chelsea will be a battle of tactics between managers Rafael Benitez and Jose Mourinho.

The two sides face each other in the competition for a third successive season with Liverpool travelling to Stamford Bridge for the first leg this Wednesday.

In eager anticipation of the much-hyped tie, Zenden says, “The tactics of the sides, maybe more than individual players, are going to be crucial to the result of this tie.

“It will be a heated meeting at the Bridge, and I am sure at Anfield. I think it will be better for us if we play in the European way because we have shown how much that style suits us - and I believe we can get a result down there.

“That way we can also get most benefit out of the fact that the second leg is on our own ground. That way I think we can get to the final again.”

The Dutch star also gave his backing to his Spanish manager to lead the club to their sixth European Cup. “We have five stars on our badge for our five successes in the competition but there is room for another. And with Rafa Benitez having already proved himself to be such a good tactician in Europe we have a great chance of adding that extra star.”

The first leg kicks off at 7.45pm on Wednesday, 25th April at Stamford Bridge with live coverage on ITV 1 before the return leg at Anfield on Tuesday, 1st May – live on Sky Sports.