Steven Gerrard buzzing over Champions League return

Steven Gerrard will grace the Champions League once again tonight

The Champions League returns to Anfield tonight and unsurprisingly Steven Gaerrard can't wait.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is no different to the fans that will pack Anfield to capacity this evening.

The Reds midfielder longs to once more hear the famous Champions League anthem ring out in the evening air. After a five-year absence, Liverpool are back amongst the big boys.

Winners in 2005, what can Gerrard and Liverpool expect on their return?

Last year's Premier League runners-up join European champions Real Madrid, Swiss outfit Basel and Bulgarian first timers Ludogorets in Group B.

Having retired from international duty after the World Cup to prolong his club career, Gerrard admits nights like this are vital to the Merseysiders.

"There has almost been a jealousy and an envy that we weren't involved," he declared this week. "I've been craving it. Everyone is looking forward to hearing that music."

Star-studded Real Madrid are expected to top the group and Liverpool will be hoping to join them in the knockout phase.

Ludogorets are the visitors to Anfield as Liverpool make their return and the home side are long odds-on to begin with a victory.

The Bulgarian champions have, incredibly, only been in existence since 2001.

They have rapidly ascended up the ranks, winning three consecutive domestic titles after earning top-tier status in 2010.

Unheralded in last season's Europa League, they progressed to the last 16, winning away from home at both PSV Eindhoven and Lazio.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted tonight's visitors will be given the same respect as Real Madrid and the Liverpool players will know their Champions League fate could rest on a positive start.

Gerrard has surely been around the block too many times in this competition to underestimate Ludogorets.

The skipper will need to use his experience at this level to guide fellow midfielders Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana as they sample the Champions League for the first time.

Mario Balotelli is the man tasked with being a match-winner following the departure of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge's current injury.

The enigmatic Italian should relish the atmosphere that is synonymous with Anfield on European nights.

Whether or not Gerrard's craving for this competition can be satisfied this season will likely hinge on the four group games against Basel and Ludogorets.

The Reds looked fragile against Aston Villa on Saturday, with their exposure at set-pieces a huge concern. Anything less than victory tonight would bring into question their ability to leave a mark on this competition.

A rich European tradition only serves to heighten Liverpool's belief they are returning to a place they belong.

Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre knows Liverpool fans love being involved in the competition but has still been keen to manage expectations.

"We have to be realistic, ambitious and optimistic all at the same time. Our two targets this season are to finish in the top four and qualify from our Champions League group," he said.

Gerrard's role in the Liverpool set-up has changed vastly since their last foray into this competition. Sterling is likely to be restored to the starting line-up this evening and his direct running will ask major questions of Ludogorets.

Lallana showed glimpses on Saturday of the form that prompted Rodgers to take him from Southampton this summer.

Ludogorets pride themselves on playing open, attacking football.

At Anfield, that philosophy will make them ideal opponents for Liverpool to open their account.

The Kop faithful are unlikely to see a repeat of the home defeat to Fiorentina that marked their exit from the competition five years ago.

We will not see the marauding Gerrard of times gone by, but the Liverpool talisman should be able to help his team into the last 16 given the quality of opposition.

The double-header with Madrid in matchday's three and four will highlight that Liverpool have some work to do if they are going to add to their five wins in the competition.