Liverpool return from the wilderness

The faces may be different, but the desire will be as strong as it was when Liverpool lifted the Champions League back in 2005, when the Reds return to the illustrious tournament after a five year absence.

The Anfield faithful have been patiently waiting for this moment since 2009. Following the wonderful league exploits of last season, Liverpool will kick off their European adventure with a gentle, yet potentially dangerous, encounter with the Bulgarian team Ludogorets on Tuesday night.

However, a mixed start to the new domestic campaign, notably without Luis Suarez, has raised some concerns. Daniel Sturridge will be unavailable through injury and will leave Liverpool unusually weak in attack, an area in which they excelled last season. Raheem Sterling will be hoping to start following his substitute appearance in the shock loss to Villa at the weekend and boss Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that an emotional return to Champions League football at Anfield, fuelled by an expectant and extremely vocal sell out crowd, will inspire his side to a confidence boosting win.