Chelsea must stop Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are outstanding individuals who play with a telepathic understanding, unselfishly working in tandem and each seizing on the other's considerable qualities. Against Torres, who will often receive the ball with his back to goal, you need a strong marker. Whoever is designated to combat the Spaniard must ensure he does not get too tight or allow the forward to come off, turn and face up in possession of the ball.

In this role Torres rarely takes the centre-back to the touchlines but he will attempt to draw his marker towards midfield if he is not receiving a decent supply-line up front. John Terry has played against him many times and will not get sucked deep or too wide. But what you must watch out for is Torres's brilliant movement in the box – start, stop, start – as he turns half chances into goal attempts.

Gerrard, as a second striker, is arguably the more difficult to track. He will drift quietly towards the play and free himself to receive. He has everything in his locker: the surge, the pass, the positioning and the shot. He is so influential and orchestrates all Liverpool's forward movements with his dynamic play. These are the players Chelsea must nullify if they are to emerge intact and confident from Anfield this evening: stop the pair and they will have won half the battle.

It may be advisable for Guus Hiddink, in this first game where his side must keep it tight, to lock the back door by creating a two-versus-one – Terry and Alex against Torres. Yet Gerrard demands attention. I recall as manager of Sheffield Wednesday, back in 1996-97, designating Peter Atherton – a limited passer but a disciplined marker – to stay tight on Gianfranco Zola and Steve McManaman against Chelsea and Liverpool. He was told never to leave his opponent's side. Zola's touches distinguished every Chelsea move, while McManaman glided over the turf, running brilliantly with the ball. The tactic succeeded: we secured a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge (coming back from 2-0 down) and a 1-1 stalemate against Liverpool on the season's final day. Indeed, we were denied a league double against Roy Evans's side only by a late equaliser at Hillsborough.

Chelsea will need to stifle Liverpool's modern-day inspiration. They may pine for Claude Makelele but the Frenchman may not have been suited to combat Gerrard as he always liked to stay central. Michael Essien can do this job, but the visitors would lose the benefit of his energy going forward. That leaves Mikel John Obi, who would compete physically and allow Essien, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack to make the play in what would end up, in effect, as a three-versus-two in centre midfield.

Mikel's task, in theory, would be simple: to track Gerrard without making an attempt to join in the play. He must concentrate solely on competing immediately with Gerrard whenever the Liverpool captain receives possession or stopping the ball getting to his feet altogether. Bear in mind that Gerrard, to try to release himself, could go anywhere and everywhere.

It is said that once, when this tactic was tried on Johan Cruyff, the Dutch master ran off the field during the game to go to the toilet and his marker dutifully followed him. Mikel has to be that focused. I confidently expect Hiddink will consider this stifling tactic as he attempts to suffocate Liverpool's threat and give Chelsea a big second-leg opportunity.