Gerrard's hope to leave Liverpool a winner reaches critical stage

Steven Gerrard's quest for a golden send-off as Liverpool captain reaches a pivotal juncture on Wednesday (AEDT) when his side hosts Chelsea in the first leg of their English League Cup semi-final.

Steven Gerrard will be eyeing an English League Cup final when Liverpool faces Chelsea. (AAP)

Gerrard could yet end his final Liverpool season with three pieces of silverware, and having inspired his team to a 2-1 win at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup, he turns his attention to England's other domestic cup.

Seventeen points off the pace in the league, Liverpool hosts second-tier Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday (AEDT) and will tackle Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League next month.

Gerrard has won the League Cup three times - 2001, 2003, 2012 - and he was left out of the weekend's 2-0 win at Aston Villa to keep him fresh for the visit of Jose Mourinho's side.

With the days of his Liverpool career shortening, Gerrard is learning to pick his battles, and Mourinho is an adversary who has caused the 34 year-old more pain than most.

Wednesday's (AEDT) game will rekindle memories of the 2005 League Cup final in Cardiff, where Liverpool was leading 1-0 until a headed own-goal by Gerrard allowed Chelsea to equalise in the 79th minute.

After Liverpool's title collapse last season cast a shadow over the opening months of the Reds new campaign, there have been signs of revival recently.

Brendan Rodgers' side has lost only once in 14 matches in all competitions, with a haul of 13 points from a possible 15 that has regalvanised its bid for a UEFA Champions League place.

"We obviously had a bump in the road in the early part of the season," Rodgers said.

"But in this period, the team is performing at a good level - defensively strong and playing some wonderful football. It's pleasing, but we have to keep improving."

Liverpool's journey in the competition already has a whiff of romance, after an epic 14-13 penalty shootout win over Middlesbrough in round one and a late comeback against Swansea City in round two.

As well as Gerrard, Liverpool will also hope to recall Adam Lallana, who has returned to training ahead of schedule after a thigh injury.

The return leg takes place on 27 January, with the winner going on to play Tottenham Hotspur or third-tier Sheffield United in the final.