Gerrard in confident mood

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is confident his side can end Chelsea's UEFA Champions League dreams for a third time.

Chelsea have suffered semi-final heartbreak twice in the last three seasons against Liverpool and Gerrard has backed his team-mates to make it a hat-trick.

Gerrard believes Liverpool's never-say-die attotude will help them get the better of Chelsea over the two legs and book their place in the Moscow showpiece next month.

"I have a lot of confidence in us doing what it takes to get to another final over the course of the 180 minutes," insisted Gerrard.

"This team never knows when it's beaten.

"Some teams wilt and chuck it when the going gets tough. That's not the case with us.

Battle

"We'll battle and scrap and believe in our ability to do whatever it takes - here at Anfield or down there on their patch - to progress in the European Cup.

"It's the biggest trophy there is - look at some of the clubs who have competed in it over the years without winning it.

"There's not a player, manager or fan of any team in Europe who wouldn't say the Champions League is the pinnacle in football.

"That's one of the reasons we are desperate to be there when the destiny of the trophy is decided."

Intimidate

Chelsea believe they have hold the upper hand with the second leg being at Stamford Bridge, but Gerrard says he is not worried about travelling to London for the second leg.

"A lot is being made of the fact that we've got to go down there and play the second leg. It's suggested that it gives them a big advantage," added Gerrard.

"But Stamford Bridge has nothing like the aura about it that Anfield does and it certainly won't intimidate us in the slightest. If we have to go there to finish the job then we will."