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Philippe Coutinho has revealed the secret behind Liverpool FC’s new creative streak – an increasingly solid defence.

A switch to a three-man back line has helped the Reds embark on a 10-match unbeaten run that has revived their season.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will look to extend that sequence and book a place at Wembley when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in their Capital One Cup semi-final second leg.

Although frustrated in Saturday’s goalless FA Cup fourth round draw at home to Bolton Wanderers, it was the first time the Anfield side have failed to score since their last defeat at Manchester United in December.

And Coutinho believes a rearguard that has conceded only eight goals during that period has proved crucial in giving Liverpool’s attacking players greater freedom going forward.

“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 goalscoring opportunities,” said the Brazilian.

“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.”

Such pressing and confidence unsettled Chelsea at Anfield last week with Liverpool unfortunate to emerge with only a 1-1 draw for their efforts.

And Coutinho wants a repeat performance as the Reds aim to secure a record-breaking 12th League Cup final appearance against either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United on March 1.

“I can’t wait for this game,” said the Brazilian. “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% 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.”

Coutinho added: “We always dream of moments like these. 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.”

Chelsea will be aiming to bounce back after their stunning FA Cup exit at the weekend when they surrendered a 2-0 lead at home to League One side Bradford City before losing 4-2.

Coutinho, though, believes that result will mean little this evening.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The best build-up to tonight's semi-final in our dedicated LFC channel here