Preview: Liverpool vs. Chelsea

As the 2014-15 campaign got underway, the League Cup would have ranked fourth on Jose Mourinho's list of priorities.

However, with his Chelsea side now just two legs of the semi-final away from another Wembley appearance, the Portuguese boss will be determined to collect a positive result.

The identity of the opponent will also add to Mourinho's tenacity, with the bad blood between himself and Liverpool having existed since the Luis Garcia's 'ghost goal' in the last four of the Champions League back in 2005.

The tie's importance to Mourinho is likely to be reflected in his team selection at Anfield tomorrow for the opening leg, with very few alterations expected to be made from the 5-0 demolition of Swansea City at the weekend.

Indeed, there may be only one change, which could see young centre-back Kurt Zouma come in for England international Gary Cahill.

As for Brendan Rodgers's Liverpool, after an inconsistent start to the season, they have been enjoying some positive form of late.

Since their 3-0 defeat away at rivals Manchester United on December 14, Rodgers's men have gone eight games unbeaten in all competitions, six of which they have won.

Captain Steven Gerrard was left out of the weekend's 2-0 win away at Aston Villa, but he is expected to return to the side for the visit of the West Londoners. The veteran, who is heading for the MLS, could well take up the more advanced role that he has been deployed in recently.

Fabio Borini may have scored at Villa, but he could drop out for this encounter, with Raheem Sterling featuring as a lone centre-forward.

By chance, the first trophy that Mourinho won in England was the League Cup, thanks to a 3-2 victory over Liverpool after extra time.

Since then, these two sides have met in this competition on two previous occasions, with one win apiece, while the Blues won 2-1 at Anfield in the Premier League back in November.

Liverpool:

Form in League Cup: LWLDWW Form in all competitions: WWDWWW

Possible starting lineup: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Sakho; Moreno, Lucas, Henderson, Markovic; Gerrard, Coutinho; Sterling

Chelsea:

Form in League Cup: WWLWWW Form in all competitions: WDLWWW

Possible starting lineup: Cech; Luis, Zouma, Terry, Ivanovic; Fabregas, Matic; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Costa

Sports Mole says: 1-1