Phil: Repeat display can take us through
Philippe Coutinho has called for Liverpool to serve up a repeat of the dominant performance they turned in against Chelsea last week when the teams lock horns tonight to determine who will reach the Capital One Cup final.
The tie is finely poised at 1-1 after an absorbing contest at Anfield one week ago in which the Reds could consider themselves unfortunate not to have emerged victorious after producing an effervescent display.
Coutinho feels if Liverpool can recreate the same kind of intensity in their performance at Stamford Bridge, they'll enhance their chances of booking a trip to Wembley on March 1.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I can't wait for this game. I'm always looking forward to the next game and this is a special one as it will be a decider for a place in the final. Everyone is focused on and prepared for this match.
"We have to try and do the same we did last week. We started that game 100 per cent concentrated and kept them under constant pressure without the ball, having kept possession most of the time and constantly chased the goal. We must repeat that to try and earn a victory.
"We know we must score at least one goal to win this tie and in order for this to happen, I think it's important that we try to do the same we did against them at Anfield, when we dominated the game throughout.
"It's going to be a difficult game as it'll be played at their ground but we have to go after a win."
Liverpool head into the game on the back of a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Coutinho insists the streak has fostered a surge in confidence within the dressing room - a mood that is being reflected in their on-pitch performances.
"The team has been playing very well lately and knowing that the defence has been solid gives us more confidence up front to try new moves and create more goal-scoring opportunities," he said.
"Without the ball, we've been pressing the opposition more like the manager has always prompted us to do - we probably missed out on that at the start of the season.
"Then when the ball is under our possession, things certainly become easier when we are more confident in ourselves.
"We know we have a good squad and recent games came to show that and to improve the overall team confidence."
Liverpool's latest result saw them held to a goalless draw by Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield on Saturday.
However, on a day of incredible results in the tournament, Chelsea were beaten 4-2 by League One side Bradford City at home.
Nonetheless, Coutinho feels that shock will count for little come kick-off this evening.
He said: "They must be feeling a bit down as they went out of the competition at home; however, every game is a different story and I'm sure they'll try to do their best against Liverpool.
"It's a massive game, a big clash between two great clubs. It's going to be a battle and a beautiful game to watch."
Coutinho recently spoke of his desire to lift a first piece of silverware with Liverpool and while he is under no illusions about the difficulties of the task facing the Reds in London, he has allowed himself to imagine what it'd be like to hoist a trophy above his head at Wembley.
"We always dream of moments like these," said the 22-year-old. "Reaching the final and winning the trophy would be very important to me as it would be my first title at Liverpool.
"Everyone is prepared and looking forward to doing their best to win this tie."