Rafa Benitez has been at the receiving end of abuse from his own fans ever since taking over as Chelsea manager, with the Stamford Bridge faithful making their feelings toward their interim manager crystal clear with banners and chants.
However, come Sunday when Chelsea travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool, Benitez will be in for a different welcome -- a standing ovation from the majority, with a couple of songs thrown in during the game, even if he is sitting in the opposing manager's box.
Benitez is revered in the red half of Merseyside, having given Liverpool so much success during his six-year reign, which is ironically the reason why Chelsea fans hate their current manager so much.
"I will be going back home because Liverpool is where my family live now," he told reporters after Chelsea's 3-0 win against Fulham Wednesday. "I was there for six years, I have very good memories so I cannot hide that I will be really pleased to go back to see a lot of friends."
However, Benitez had no doubts about the fact that his main concern will be getting all three points against a Liverpool side with little to play for. The Blues, though, are in a battle for the Champions League places, and currently hold the upperhand.
They are a point clear of Arsenal, with a game in hand, while Spurs are three points behind. Everton still have an outside chance, and the Toffees will be willing their Merseyside rivals to topple Chelsea on Sunday.
"I'm a professional and I am committed with Chelsea until the end of the season, to win, to achieve our targets," Benitez added.
"I was there (at Anfield) for six years, winning a lot of things together.
"They (Liverpool supporters) will appreciate that, but at the same time they will try to support their team and they will understand that I have to try to do my best and win."
Chelsea had a convincing 3-0 win over Fulham in midweek, which pulled them above Arsenal in the table, and another three points against Liverpool will certainly put them in pole position for third place.
The Blues received a boost with defenders Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole returning to training Friday, meaning they could be available for the Liverpool clash after missing several weeks through injury.
Marko Marin (thigh) is definitely available, with Benitez set to rotate his squad yet again, which could mean a place on the bench for the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Fernando Torres, all of whom started against Fulham.
Apart from long-term injury candidates Joe Allen, Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not have too many injury concerns.
This game will feature three players -- Eden Hazard and Juan Mata of Chelsea and Luis Suarez of Liverpool -- who have been shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year Awards, and don't be surprised if one of them has the final say on the outcome of the game.
Expected lineups: Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique; Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson; Downing, Suarez, Coutinho.
Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Ba.
Prediction: 2-2
