Even though the 53-year-old Chelsea boss still retains close ties with the Merseyside outfit, that won’t stop him from trying to beat the Reds

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez admitted he still has fond feelings about former club Liverpool ahead of their clash on Sunday, but that he is only focused on securing all three points when the two sides meet.

The 53-year-old will make his first managerial return to Anfield, where he coached Liverpool for six years before leaving in 2010, with his current club still chasing a top four place.

Having recently admitted that the prospect of returning to manage on Merseyside appeals to him, Benitez refused to play down the regard with which he holds Liverpool, but stated he will be strictly professional in trying to do his best for Chelsea on the day.

“Liverpool is where my family live now. I have been there for six years and have very good memories,” Benitez told reporters.

“I cannot hide that I am really pleased to be going there to see a lot of old friends. I have not been thinking too much about Sunday.

“The main thing is to stay in the top three and what I want is to win at Liverpool. And after, I wish them all the best and if they can win all their games until the end of the season, that will be fantastic.

“But as a professional, I am sure they will try to win and we will try to win.”

Having dispatched Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening, Chelsea remain in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next season, something which pleases Benitez greatly.

He added: “They are difficult matches but we have quality. If you ask them [Chelsea’s opponents] they will say it’s a difficult match because they are playing Chelsea.

“We must have confidence and belief and hopefully we can stay up there. The race for the top four will be until the end of the season.

“If we continue winning and they [Tottenham, Arsenal and Everton] keep on winning, those games against Tottenham and Everton will be even more important.”

JD explains who he believes will qualify for this year’s Champions League final and why Chelsea look like good value against Liverpool on Sunday

Last week was another profitable week with a majority of selections landing for us. We have an exciting weekend to look forward to and the semi finals of European competition to get our teeth into.

Bayern Munich will meet Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund face Real Madrid in the semi-finals. I expect Real Madrid 2/5 (1.40) and Bayern Munich 5/4 (2.25) (also ) to qualify for the final next month.

A good time of year for bettors

There are plenty of opportunities at this time of year and I have traditionally found April and May to be an excellent time of year for betting and trading.

One of the reasons for this is that at this time of year, we have a settled view of the abilities of teams. We can also take advantage of clear trends which have built up through the season and profit from them.

Of course, we have to be aware of teams over performing at this time of year as they battle against relegation but that is a long and established trend.

Palermo, Deportivo La Coruna and Wigan Athletic are fine examples of teams winning when they really need to of recent weeks. If you find yourself on a good run at this time of year, enjoy it and make the most of it.

This weekend’s tips

Looking ahead to the weekend, it is a big day in the Premier League on Sunday.

Rafa Benitez returns to Anfield with Chelsea and I do like their chances of a favourable result against Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Liverpool have shown real signs of progress this season but they are far from the finished article and it’s something the Blues can exploit in this match. Chelsea are available on a “draw no bet” basis at 11/8 (2.38) looks a strong option.

In La Liga, Deportivo La Coruna can continue their recent resurgence with victory over Athletic Bilbao. They are a 11/10 (2.10) to record their fifth straight win and continue their unlikely surge towards playing in La Liga next season.

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The club’s press manager was adamant the two teams are yet to reach a deal for the playmaker, but technical director Marc Overmars again indicated the player’s intention to leave

Ajax have denied they have reached an agreement with Liverpool over the transfer of Denmark international Christian Eriksen.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Eredivisie giants for some time, with the Reds and Tottenham thought to be heading the list of various European clubs chasing the youngster’s signature.

However, Ajax’s press manager, Eefje Schep, has insisted there is no deal in place to take Eriksen to Anfield – but he did not rule out a future move.

“We will send out a press release when there is an agreement,” he told Danish television station TV2. “Also if there is only a deal between Ajax and the club. So at this time there is no agreement between Ajax and Liverpool.”

The 21-year-old attacking playmaker – who is the current Dutch Player of the Year – has netted 12 goals so far this season in another impressive campaign.

However, Ajax will almost certainly have to do without him next season, with technical director Marc Overmars again indicating the midfielder’s desire to leave.

“Christian has informed us that he won’t be signing a new deal with us at this time,” he said. “I think that he and his agent will want to see what options are available in the summer.”