Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's League Cup semi-final first leg between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. This has been one of the most fiercely contested English rivalries in the last decade, and both teams will be desperate to reach Wembley over the next two legs to have a chance of picking up the first major piece of silverware this season. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

Despite such a successful season last term, Brendan Rodgers is still looking for his first trophy in charge of Liverpool, and right now this represents by far his best option. He will know that Chelsea were the toughest of any potential semi-final opponents, but should the Reds get past the Premier League leaders over the two legs then they will really fancy their chances of beating either Tottenham or Sheffield United in the final.

Liverpool will be a lot more confident going into this game than they might have been a couple of months ago, too. The Reds have dramatically improved in recent weeks, breathing new life into a top-four challenge that looked to be on the verge of collapse not too long ago. Rodgers will know that his side are still some way short of their best, but he is under much less pressure now and has the prospect of Daniel Sturridge's return from injury on the horizon.

Indeed, it is now eight matches since Liverpool last lost a game, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford back in December. Since then, the Reds have won six matches and drawn twice, although both of those draws - against Arsenal and Leicester City - were games that Rodgers will have felt his side could have won. Looking even further back, the defeat to United is their only loss in their last 14 outings, a run that includes eight victories.

As a result, Liverpool now sit just five points off the top four in the Premier League, and that will remain their priority this season. It is an achievable goal, and seems more so now than it did a month or two ago, but Rodgers will still want to ensure that his side don't take their eyes off this match tonight, or indeed their challenges in the FA Cup and Europa League. There is plenty left for Liverpool to fight for and, while it has been a below-par season so far, they could still salvage a lot from it.

Liverpool come into this match having beaten Aston Villa 2-0 at the weekend, with Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert the two unfamiliar names on the scoresheet for the Reds. It was a good, solid win in a potentially tricky fixture against a side that has been Liverpool's bogey team of late, but perhaps the thing that will please Rodgers most is the clean sheet. That is the second match in a row that Liverpool have not conceded - the first time they have managed back-to-back clean sheets this season. With the attacking talent at Chelsea's disposal, a tight defence will be key in this tie.

The Reds reached this stage of the competition courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, a match that saw Sterling (2) and Markovic both get on the scoresheet. That was a tricky fixture at Dean Court against the Championship high-flyers, but Liverpool put in one of their most accomplished performances of the season. They were less convincing winners in their first two ties, however, needing a record-breaking penalty shootout to get past Middlesbrough and two late goals to beat Swansea City.

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This tie could well hinge on the result tonight, and Liverpool will know that victory is crucial for them if they are to pile the pressure on Chelsea in the reverse leg next week. The Reds are unbeaten in their last six at Anfield, but wins have been hard to come by of late. Their last home match saw them squander a two-goal lead against bottom-of-the-table Leicester to draw 2-2, one of four draws in their last five outings in front of their own fans. Another draw tonight would make Chelsea strong favourites to progress.

The pressure on Liverpool to get a result is made even greater by the fact that Chelsea's home form has been so impressive this season. The Blues have won 14 of their 15 outings at Stamford Bridge this season, drawing the other match. Compare that to a record of five draws and two defeats from their 17 games on the road and, while Chelsea are by no means pushovers away from home, Liverpool's best chance of winning this tie looks to be tonight's match.

That sensational home form is a big reason behind their magnificent record so far this season, which has seen them lose just two of their 32 matches in all competitions. The Blues are still very much in with a shout of four trophies, with the Premier League and League Cup both looking good and progress secured after the first hurdle of both the FA Cup and Champions League. Chelsea have looked imperious at times this season, and it would take a brave person to bet against them pulling off the quadruple.

As far as the league is concerned, results went Chelsea's way at the weekend to put them back five points clear at the top of the table. Mourinho's men had been caught by Manchester City following a below-par festive period, but they have handled the pressure perfectly and opened up a decent gap again after City lost to Arsenal. Mourinho will be wary that City have already closed a gap bigger than the one that currently separates the two sides, however, so he will make sure complacency doesn't creep in.

Their response has been particularly impressive considering how damaging the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day looked like being. Chelsea were well beaten in a 5-3 defeat that day, but since then they have won three games in a row without conceding a single goal. What's more, they have scored 10 goals in the process and put in one of their best displays of the season last time out.

The Blues made a lightning start in the first half at the Liberty Stadium, taking the lead in the first minute through Oscar's strike, The refused to let up either, going on to open up a four-goal lead by half time and adding another after the break. Swansea have given some of the big boys a real game already this season, so that was an emphatic statement from the Blues.

Like Liverpool, Chelsea had a potential banana skin of a tie against a Championship high-flyer in the last round. They faced Derby County and looked to be comfortable until the Rams pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Steve McClaren's side then seemed capable of getting back into the match until they had a man sent off, and Chelsea ultimately went on to progress with a 3-1 win. They were also not at their best in the previous rounds either, beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 before scraping past minnows Shrewsbury Town by the same scoreline. Liverpool are the first Premier League opposition that they have come up against in this competition this season.

While this competition does not hold the prestige of the other three trophies Chelsea are fighting for this season, it could well have a special place in the heart of Jose Mourinho as it was the first piece of silverware he won at the club. That came all the way back in 2005 and, by chance, it was Liverpool they beat in the final. That was 3-2 after extra time, and Mourinho went on to win it again two years later.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the big news for the hosts is that Steven Gerrard starts having been rested at the weekend. He replaces Borini in the only change for the home side, while Chelsea welcome Courtois back between the sticks following three games out. Mikel also comes in for Oscar as both sides name strong teams. Full starting XIs coming right up...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Henderson, Lucas, Gerrard, Moreno; Markovic, Coutinho, Sterling

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Enrique, Lambert, Manquillo, Lallana, Borini, Rossiter

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Matic, Mikel; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa

CHELSEA SUBS: Cech, Zouma, Ramires, Oscar, Drogba, Remy, Azpilicueta

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, there are no surprises from Brendan Rodgers as he makes just the one change. That sees Steven Gerrard come back into the side having been in the news a lot in the build-up to this game. Mourinho has called on the Chelsea fans to stop taunting the Liverpool skipper for his slip in this fixture last season, although one suspects that the Blues faithful may not heed his calls. Gerrard is big enough to shrug the chants off, however, and he will be particularly keen to pick up as much silverware as possible in his final season at the club.

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Gerrard is expected to start in a more advanced role again today, with Henderson and Lucas acting as the holding midfielders. Rodgers has played around with his formation quite a bit in recent weeks, however, so either Markovic or Henderson could well be deployed in the right wing-back role. The former has improved in over the last few games and, although he was quiet against Villa, will be looking to make an impact again here tonight.

In the continued absence of Sturridge and Balotelli, Sterling once again starts in a central attacking role, although Lambert and Borini may feel a little hard done by to start on the bench having both scored last time out. Chelsea's defence is a formidable one for any striker, but the area they are perhaps lacking most is pace, and Sterling will be looking to exploit that tonight. With Coutinho is support, he has a player who can find his runs behind the defence as well.

Rodgers makes no changes at the back either, with Can continuing to fill in as one of three central defenders. He has impressed there in recent weeks, and it is no coincidence that Liverpool have improved defensively since they switched to this system. Skrtel and Sakho are the other two in support of Can, with Toure and Lovren absent. Mignolet, meanwhile, continues in goal due to Brad Jones's injury.

For Chelsea, it is no surprise to see Courtois come back in goal having missed the last three games with an injury. However, Cahill had also been tipped for a place on the bench having been dropped for these types of matches quite a few times this season. Zouma does not get the nod, however, so it is the same back four that kept a clean sheet in the 5-0 drubbing of Swansea last time out.

Fabregas, although not on the scoresheet, was majestic in that match and will play in a more advanced role tonight as Mikel drops in alongside Matic to give extra protection to the back four. Willian and Hazard remain in the side, but Oscar, who scored twice at the weekend, is benched. The selection is a rather more defensive one than at the Liberty Stadium, which suggests that Mourinho would be happy with a draw to take back to Stamford Bridge from this first leg.

If they are to win this match, however, then Costa could well be key. He scored the winner the last time these two met and netted two more times at the weekend to continue his brilliant first season in English football. He was involved in a real battle with Skrtel in the league meeting here back in November and is the type of player that will look forward to resuming hostilities tonight.

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PREDICTION: Right, we have 10 minutes until kickoff here, which means that it is time for my match prediction! First legs are always difficult games to call, and Liverpool's recent improvement makes this one even tougher. Neither side would be too disheartened with a draw, although that is a result that would certainly suit Chelsea better ahead of the second leg next week. I think the spoils could well be shared here, so I'm going to go for 1-1.

I mentioned earlier that this has developed into one of the biggest rivalries in English football over the last 10 years, and this will be the 37th time that the two sides have met in the last decade. Incredibly, 16 of the previous 36 have come in cup competitions, with some landmark matches being played out by the two sides. Who could forget Luis Garcia's winner in the Champions League semi-final, for example? Jose Mourinho certainly hasn't!

Chelsea have the superior recent record in this fixture, however, losing just one and winning four of the last seven meetings in league and cup. They have won in the league at Anfield in the last two seasons including this one, while Brendan Rodgers is yet to record in a win against Chelsea in his five matches against them as Liverpool boss.

Liverpool do, however, have a better record in this competition than any other side. They have reached the last four 16 times, progressing to the final 11 times including from their last four appearances in the semis. They have gone on to lift the trophy a record eight times, which is twice as often as Chelsea have managed. Liverpool have also won three of the six League Cup meetings between these two sides but, as I mentioned earlier, did lose the final in 2005.

The players come out into an electric atmosphere, with the snow swirling around Anfield. Respective talismans Gerrard and Terry lead the teams out, and we're just minutes away from kickoff in this huge semi-final fixture.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Liverpool get us underway as 'You'll Never Walk Alone' finishes ringing around the stadium. Who will draw first blood in this two-legged tie?

The Steven Gerrard chants start straight away, with Liverpool fans unsurprisingly drowning out the Chelsea contingent. There is a cracking atmosphere inside Anfield tonight.

Nervy moment for Courtois as he collects a back-pass from his defender but is forced to take the ball outside his area with Gerrard up against him. He manages to get away with it, but that was good pressure from the hosts.

Liverpool have made a bright start to this match, both on and off the ball. They have passed it well and kept the pressure on the visitors when they have won the ball back. They are playing with a good intensity right now.

Gerrard in particular is pressing high up the field in his more advanced role. He has already forced a couple of hurried clearances from the Chelsea defenders and is keeping a lot of pressure on the likes of Mikel.

Mikel goes into a heavy challenge on Sterling, and there was certainly a hint of two feet about it. Nowadays that is a foul more often than not, but for me it was a very good tackle.

Another good spell for Liverpool as Sterling collects the ball on the left before sliding a pass inside for Henderson. He breaks into the box and puts a pass into a very good area, but there are no red shirts waiting for it. Moments later Coutinho has a slight sight of goal, but his effort is blocked behind for a corner.

Vital touch from Cahill as he denies Sterling a clear chance! Henderson and Coutinho combined in the final third, with the latter looking to slide a pass through to his striker. However, Cahill gets a toe to it to poke it back to Courtois.

SAVE! Moments after Sterling failed to connect with a cross into the area, Gerrard lines up a trademark effort from 35 yards. His strike is dipping and difficult for Courtois, who pushes it over the top.

Despite having been on the back foot for the majority of this game so far, Chelsea have taken the lead against the run of play! Fabregas did really well to get in behind Can and to the byline before poking his pass to Hazard. Can attempts to make up for being beaten and clumsily connects with Hazard, who goes down. Martin Atkinson points to the spot, and Hazard makes no mistake, sending Mignolet the wrong way.

That is such a big blow for Liverpool, who had made a really promising start to this match. Atkinson got the decision right, however, and Can only really has himself to blame for what was an untidy challenge in a place where he couldn't afford to do that.

Liverpool have a good chance to break as Gerrard beats Luis to the ball and drives forward. He slides a pass in to Sterling, but his touch takes him too far out wide and eventually Chelsea are able to get back and quell the danger.

Almost an exquisite piece of play from Fabregas as he sends a pass over the head of Skrtel to Hazard. However, the Belgian can't take it in his stride and Skrtel is able to get a foot in after all.

Some nice football from Liverpool sees Moreno get forward down the left, and his cross is only cleared as far as Markovic on the edge of the box. The winger tries an ambitious acrobatic effort that he scuffs into a blue shirt, and the claims for handball that follow are almost as ambitious as the shot itself.

CHANCE! Decent sight of goal for Liverpool as Coutinho's corner goes all the way to the back post, where Skrtel has pulled into a bit of space. However, he plants a tame header wide of the near post when he may have been better served knocking it back into a dangerous area.

Chelsea have always got plenty of bodies right on the edge of their area when Liverpool advance into their half. Matic and Mikel are offering good protection to the back four, and the hosts and going to have to come up with something very intricate if they are to get through that shield.

Can, who scored in the league meeting here, bursts forward from defence and has Sterling in front of him. However, he just delays his pass a fraction and Sterling is offside as a result.

Sterling wins a free kick in a good crossing position with some quick feet that caught Cahill out. Gerrard initial ball is punched away by Courtois, but Liverpool get it back in the middle. Sterling's shot is then blocked by Cahill and Chelsea can break. However, Moreno did well against the odds to just hold them up enough in a two-on-one situation.

Henderson slips over inside the Chelsea half, which draws chants of 'Are you Gerrard in disguise?' from the visiting fans. He stayed down for a little while afterwards, though, and looks to have a slight problem with his groin.

Costa is not happy at all after feeling that he was blocked off by Can when looking to get on the end of a one-two. He remonstrates with the referee and is perhaps fortunate not to get at least a telling off there.

This match has been played at a really good tempo so far, and the fans have played their part too. Still Liverpool have not had a clear chance, however, as Chelsea continue to defend well.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the evening goes the way of Gerrard, who just tripped Hazard when trying to get back at the winger.

Still a Hazard penalty is the difference in this one as we approach half time. It remains are only clear chance despite this having been a decent game so far. Here is a shot of the Belgian tucking his kick away:

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SHOT! Again Liverpool play some nice football but can't find a way through the blue wall on the edge of the Chelsea area. Coutinho eventually opts to go for goal from range, but his shot loops off Mikel and over the bar.

YELLOW CARD! Lucas is the second name in the book, and again it is for a challenge on Hazard. He ran into the Belgian from behind, but there was nothing malicious in that tackle.

YELLOW CARD! He is swiftly followed into the book by Luis, who caught Markovic with a stray arm. It was similar to Markovic's red card against Basel in the Champions League, although both were very soft decision.

We will have a minute of added time at the end of this first half.

PENALTY SHOUT! Liverpool have a huge penalty shout right at the end of the half as Costa goes down in the box when trying to defend a free kick. While on the floor, the ball strikes his hand, prompting furious protests from the home players. Martin Atkinson is having none of it, however.

Liverpool players surround the referee as he brings an end to the first half following that late penalty shout. It was a high-tempo first half and, while clear chances were few and far between, there were plenty of talking points. It is Chelsea who go into the break with the lead, however, and so far they are on course for the final of the League Cup.

The only goal of the first half came from the penalty spot, with Eden Hazard winning and converting the spot kick. It was Emre Can who gave it away with a clumsy challenge inside the box, and Martin Atkinson was right to point to the spot. From there, there was little doubt that Hazard would do the rest, sending Mignolet the wrong way to give his side the lead.

Liverpool have had the better of things in open play, with Chelsea's penalty their only shot on goal. The Reds had 63% possession but really struggled to get through Chelsea on the edge of the box, with Matic and Mikel giving their defence good protection. Liverpool have tried to play through that area, but need to be really intricate with so little space there.

The closest Liverpool have come to scoring came from a superb 35-yard effort from Gerrard, who sent a dipping strike towards goal. It was moving plenty in the air, which made it difficult for Courtois, but the keeper pushed it over the top. Sterling had a sight of goal moments before that, but couldn't connect properly with Moreno's delivery into the box.

Coutinho has also had an effort from range that deflected off Mikel and looped over the bar, and Liverpool would be well served to hit a few more distance in this match rather than looking to play through this Chelsea defence. The hosts have plenty of players who can strike a good shot from distance, but they have rejected that option on numerous occasions. However, it should also be noted that Chelsea have done a decent job of keeping the likes of Gerrard and Coutinho on their weaker foot in dangerous areas.

The incident right at the end of the half was a big talking point for Liverpool as the ball struck Costa's hand inside the box. The striker was on the floor following an aerial challenge with Can, and the ball certainly hit him on the arm while he was down. However, it would have been a fairly harsh one as he did not move his hand at all and would have done very well to avoid the contact. There was a huge appeal from the Liverpool players, though.

KICKOFF: Chelsea get us back underway for the second half of this first leg, and this is a big 45 minutes for Liverpool. They probably need a goal without reply considering Chelsea's excellent form at home this season.

Almost a huge chance inside 20 seconds for Chelsea as Fabregas played a lovely dummy through for Costa, who looked to be in on goal. However, Mignolet was quick of his line to clear the danger.

This match has quickly fallen back into the same rhythm as the first half, with Liverpool seeing more of the ball and asking questions of the Chelsea defence. However, the visitors have all the answers right now.

Some of the link-up play between the likes of Coutinho, Gerrard and Sterling has been really neat in the final third, but it still hasn't been able to puncture this Chelsea defence.

Fabregas looks to ensure that Liverpool can't take a free kick quickly, knocking the ball away twice in quick succession. Martin Atkinson has a brief word, but no card is brandished.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Liverpool as they finally look to have unlocked this Liverpool defence. Coutinho dinks a ball into the box for Sterling who looks to have a glimmer of space, but Ivanovic and Terry are quick to close the gap and make a block.

Liverpool have had 80% of the ball in the last five minutes, and they are enjoying a really good spell right now. It is the same old story in the final third, however, as Chelsea continue to hold firm at the back.

Still Liverpool continue to pile the pressure on, with Chelsea unable to get out of their own half right now. You feel that the hosts need to make the most of this spell in the ascendancy, though.

Liverpool have their equaliser, and it is a superb solo effort from Sterling! For once he collects the ball in the final third without Matic and Mikel between him and goal. He spins on it and drives past Cahill before sliding a composed finish into the bottom corner. Anfield erupts!

I said Liverpool needed to make the most of that spell, and they have done exactly that. It has almost been one-way traffic in this second half so far, and the hosts are eager to push on for another goal here.

Chelsea finally relieve the pressure with their best spell of possession in this second half so far. Matic slides the ball through for Costa, but the Spaniard is offside with only the keeper to beat.

CHANCE! Moments later Hazard runs at Can and plays a one-two to get into the box. For a second it looks as though the Belgian is clean through, but he can't take it in his stride and Skrtel gets a vital foot in.

This has been much better from Chelsea in the last few minutes. The visitors have completely changed the momentum in the game and are looking more likely to get the third goal themselves now. This one is shaping up very nicely for the final 25 minutes!

OFF THE POST! Just as I say that, Gerrard strikes the woodwork! It is a great break from Liverpool as Coutinho comes down the left flank and pulls the ball back for his skipper on the edge of the box. Gerrard makes room to curl it goalwards and he has a gap to aim at, but hits the post when he probably should have scored!

SAVE! Again Liverpool come forward as this time Coutinho goes for goal with a low effort. Courtois gets down to make the save but spills it, and is thankful to see Luis first there to clear it away.

Lovely footwork from Coutinho as he collects a pass from Sterling before dancing past a couple of players. He looks to complete what would be a stunning goal by chipping the keeper, but his effort is deflected wide.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Interesting change here as Gerrard makes way with 20 minutes remaining having hit the post in this second half. Adam Lallana replaces the skipper, who hands the armband to Henderson.

Lallana should provide a little more trickery in the final third than Gerrard, and it is that sort of play that has been most successful for Liverpool in this second half especially. Sterling and Coutinho have enjoyed very good spells since the break, and Lallana can provide a similar threat.

CHANCE! Another decent sight of goal for Liverpool as Henderson's ball into the box is met by Skrtel. It is a tough one for the Liverpool defender, but he probably should do a little better than sending his backward header over the top.

YELLOW CARD! Mikel is the latest name in the book for a strong challenge on Moreno, who had just spun away from the Chelsea midfielder. No complaints there, but plenty of ironic cheers from the home fans.

SAVES! Again Courtois is called upon as Henderson takes a quick free kick to Sterling before collecting the return ball on the edge of the box. His effort is saved by Courtois, while Sterling also draws a stop from the keeper with the rebound from a tight angle.

PENALTY SHOUT! That action is non-stop here! At the other end Costa looks to be through on goal having seemingly earned himself a yard, but having gone down the referee waves his claims away!

Back down towards the Kop Sterling looks to race on to a through-ball down the left channel. Courtois comes out to claim it but slides out of his area with the ball in his arms! The referee and linesman don't see it, however, and the keeper escapes!

I've just seen the Costa penalty shout again, and the Chelsea striker had a claim. He poked the ball past Sakho, whose trailing leg just caught him. He probably could have stayed up in fairness, but I've seen them given.

SAVE! Oh my word, Liverpool almost take the lead in superb style! Sterling does brilliantly to knock the ball down for Lallana, who let fly with a magnificent volley from 20 yards. However, Courtois matches the shot with a save every bit as good.

Liverpool have had 15 shots tonight, seven of which have been on target. Chelsea have still only had that penalty in terms of efforts, but are just about weathering the storm at the moment. The hosts have been dominant in this second half, but as things stand would only take a draw to Stamford Bridge next week.

This has been a brilliant cup tie, it must be said. Incidentally, having seen that Costa penalty shout a third time, it was in fact outside the area when the contact took place. At the other end Coutinho goes for glory from an unlikely position, and sure enough he blasts his effort well off target.

SHOT! Like Coutinho moments ago, Luis tries to grab the winner in style as he lets fly from range when the ball fell invitingly for him. He did score a cracker against Derby in the last round, but this time his effort goes a long way off target.

The pace of this game has slowed a little in the last couple of minutes, but it was relentless up until that point. You'd have to think that Chelsea would be a lot happier with this result than Liverpool, though, particularly considering the way this game has gone.

CHELSEA SUB: And if there was any doubt about Chelsea being content with a draw, this sub should confirm it. Cesar Azpilicueta replaces Willian for the closing stages.

There will be just two added minutes at the end of this first leg.

Sterling looks to create a late twists having found space 25 yards out, but his left-footed effort is dragged well wide of Courtois's goal.

Liverpool have one final foray forward as Sterling twists and turns inside the box, finally working a bit of space from Azpilicueta. His cross deflects and almost catches Courtois out, but he does well to prevent it going behind for a corner.

It is all square at the end of the first leg, then, as Chelsea hold out for a draw having come under very heavy pressure in the second half. Hazard had given the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Sterling's solo effort restored parity. Gerrard also hit the post for Liverpool in a thrilling second half, but the hosts could not get that second goal.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a cracking cup tie between Liverpool and Chelsea. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. The second semi-final between Spurs and Sheffield United takes place tomorrow night, so join us for live coverage of that too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!