Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Chelsea are the best team in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow's League Cup game.
The Reds host Jose Mourinho's side with captain Steven Gerrard set to be in the starting line-up after missing the weekend win against Aston Villa.
And Rodgers believes that lifting a trophy this season would be a confidence injection for the future.
"Our objective is still very much to win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League," Rodgers said.
"Winning a trophy, for us, would help our future here - what we're trying to build and deliver.
"It would give the younger players a lot of experience.
"We know these two games are going to be a challenge, but we know that if you want to win the competition you have to beat the best teams.
"At this moment in time, Chelsea are the best in the country. Over two games we're really looking forward to it, because when we last played them we weren't in a good moment.
"But now at this point of the season, we're developing and improving and our confidence is very high. They are two tough games but games that we're really relishing.
"These are games that excite you and allow you to do well. We see this as an opportunity this season - not just in these two games or in this competition - but an opportunity to win a trophy.
"It's a group that's forming, and winning a trophy and winning a competition could really bring the future of the team on. It's certainly not a threat, it's an opportunity to get to a final.
"We know we've got to beat the best teams to win it."
The two teams will face again on January 27 at Stamford Bridge and the 41-year-old says the two-legged tie means that nothing will be decided tomorrow.
"The tie is not won or lost in the first game," he added.
"So it's important we just retain our confidence in how we're working and playing. You know you're going to have to deal with pressure at moments in the game.
"The most important thing for me coming out of this game is making sure you are in a good position for the second leg. They are very strong and you can see the experience they have, and also the quality - they have got great quality.
"We'll look at it as an opportunity playing at home. If we don't win the game then it's not all lost, we can still go to Stamford Bridge and win, that's for sure.
"They are a very good side, you can't get away from that. They have got quality in all areas - they have got power and strength and experience, and it's going to be a good test for us."
