However, the Blues' ability to ship three goals in their 4-3 Premier League victory against Bolton Wanderers at the weekend has raised hopes of an unlikely Liverpool comeback.
But Carvalho believes Chelsea are now a better team having emerged from a patchy period earlier in the season
“We are always improving. We had some problems in previous months but we have become stronger for it," he said.
“Now we’re in good shape and want to win the competition.”
Chelsea captain John Terry is unavailable due to suspension, so Alex is expected to play alongside Carvalho in the heart of the Blues' back-line.
The two last played together in an FA Cup tie against Ipswich in January, while Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic - who netted his first and second goals of the season at Anfield last week - should keep his place at right-back.
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