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Philippe Coutinho is on a mission to shoot down Chelsea and realise his Wembley dream.

The in-form Liverpool FC playmaker, who has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to the club, is ready to lead the charge in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg with Jose Mourinho’s men at Anfield.

The Reds will start as underdogs against the Premier League leaders but Coutinho is convinced they can upset the odds and advance to the showpiece final in the capital on March 1.

“I’ve never played at Wembley and it’s always been an ambition of mine to play there,” he told the ECHO.

“It would be so special to walk out there for the first time in a Cup final.

“Everyone is excited about the prospect of playing at Wembley and we want to take this opportunity.

“Chelsea are a great side who are very difficult to play against but we’re in good form and we want to get through. We all want to lift that trophy.”

It’s been two years since the little Brazilian arrived at Anfield in a £8.5m move from Inter Milan and he’s desperate to get his hands on some silverware.

Standing in his way are some familiar faces with Chelsea boasting the South American quartet of Oscar, Willian, Felipe Luis and Ramires.

Those friendships with his fellow countrymen will be put on hold as Liverpool look to extend their eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

“I came here to win trophies and the Capital One Cup is a great chance to do that,” he said.

“Trophies are what makes players – it’s what you are remembered for.

“It also makes the history of a club. We are in a great position to try to win this competition.

“I am friends with all the Brazilian guys at Chelsea, and we speak now and then.

“But those friendships are outside the pitch. On the pitch it is a different story. It’s a professional thing.

“Our fans are expecting Liverpool to win this game and it’s important we get a good result in the first leg at Anfield.

“We want to get an advantage to take to Stamford Bridge.”

Chelsea were 2-1 winners in the league at Anfield on their previous visit in November but Coutinho insists the Reds are now a very different proposition. And he knows they will be roared on by an electric atmosphere under the Anfield lights.

“We started the game well that day and went in front but then we made some mistakes and got punished,” he said.

“Probably the major difference now compared to then is the confidence in the team.

“It’s pretty much the same players but we are feeling much more confident now. It has got higher and higher with the positive results.

“The team is now in a much better moment than the last time we faced Chelsea. We’re performing better and improved our game. Hopefully this time we can beat them.

“It’s always special to play at Anfield and it makes such a difference for us when we play with the fans right behind us.

“The players feel different at Anfield. The fans really spur you on and encourage you to give your best. The crowd can play a key role in this match.”

After a slow start to the season, Coutinho’s form has picked up impressively in recent months. He has flourished playing through the middle in Rodgers’ 3-4-2-1 formation.

The only criticism of the gifted midfielder has been a lack of goals and it’s one he’s keen to address. He has only scored twice in 27 matches this season with 10 goals in 77 appearances during his Anfield career.

“This formation has improved things not only for me but also for the whole team,” he said.

“Everyone is finding their feet now. I really enjoy playing in that central role where I can try to make things happen.

“I know I need to improve the number of goals I score. It’s a personal target of mine and I also need to do it to help the team.

“I know if I score more goals then I’ll be able to make a bigger contribution to the team and that’s something I’m really working on.”

The 22-year-old is one of a number of players Rodgers is keen to get tied down to a new long-term contract.

Coutinho, whose current deal runs until 2018, says no talks have been scheduled but he’s content to wait until the summer before putting pen to paper.

“They spoke about a new contract at the beginning of the season but it’s not something we’re speaking about at present,” he added.

“It’s not a hot topic at the moment because we’re all focused on the current season and what Liverpool can achieve on the pitch.

“I’m relaxed about it. I am very happy here. I have my family here and I want to stay at this club for a long time.”