As he prepares to face Everton for the last time in a red shirt on Saturday, the LA Galaxy-bound midfielder is keen to extend his good record in the fixture

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists that he will not change his approach for his 33rd and final Merseyside derby against Everton, on Saturday.

The midfielder is to leave the Reds at the end of the season to join MLS franchise LA Galaxy, bringing to an end a glittering career with his hometown club.

Gerrard has scored 10 goals against Everton – including a hat-trick in 2012 – and will naturally be keen to get one over on the old enemy for the last time, but the former England international is adamant that the occasion of his last local derby will not alter his mindset for a game that could prove pivotal in the race for the Champions League places.

“It’s the fixture that I look for at the beginning of the season,” Gerrard told the club’s official website.

“I love playing against Everton. I’ve got friends and family members who are big blues and it’s all about the bragging rights in the city.

“I’ll focus on [Saturday’s game] exactly how I have done in the previous derbies I’ve played in.

“It’s a bit different from a normal league game but I’m looking forward to that one and hopefully I can add to my good derby record.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that Gerrard’s impending move to the United States will be greeted with delight by the blue half of Merseyside.

“I’m sure [Everton] will be glad to see the back of him,” the Northern Irishman added. “He’s been an incredible player for this club. He’s played in so many derby games and been outstanding.”

The Barcelona forward, who has known the playmaker since they were young, backs his compatriot to fill the creative void left by the Uruguayan at Anfield

Barcelona star Neymar is convinced that Philippe Coutinho can become the best player in the Premier League and step up as Liverpool’s new Luis Suarez.

The 22-year-old playmaker struck the winning goal for the Reds in their FA Cup tie against Bolton, curling a long-range shot into the top corner, and is becoming increasingly influential – even likened to Uruguay ace Suarez by Brendan Rodgers.

Neymar believes that the Merseysiders have missed a spark of creativity since Suarez joined him at Camp Nou but is confident that Coutinho can take over that mantle.

“We have been good friends since we were 16. Not only is he a fantastic player, he is a good guy to have in the dressing room, always positive and making jokes,” the forward is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“I think, since Luis joined us at Barcelona, Liverpool have not had that one player they can look to for that special moment.

“Couto can be that player for them, I’m sure. When he has the ball at his feet, he can make things happen for himself and he can make things happen for other players. He is a very special player.”

Coutinho was overlooked for Brazil’s squad for the World Cup last summer but new boss Dunga has returned him to the fold and Neymar hopes that he can make a big impact.

The Barca star added: “The national steam is very strong but, the way he is playing for Liverpool, I’m sure he will be a big part of Brazil going forward.”

The Reds lead the form table over the last six games and are through to the FA Cup fifth round, while the hosts have just one win in the Premier League in the last seven games

Liverpool and Everton contest the 224th Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday, with visiting boss Brendan Rodgers delighted to have seen his team turn a corner of late.

Rodgers’ men have taken 16 points from their last six Premier League outings and booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in midweek.

The Anfield outfit have not lost the derby since 2010 but were denied victory in this season’s reverse fixture by a late Phil Jagielka thunderbolt.

With Rodgers’ side eager to maintain upward momentum against their near-neighbours, the Liverpool boss talked up the squad’s renewed belief in Thursday’s pre-match news conference.

“They are incredible games to be involved in as a manager and for the players. We prepare really well for every game and this game is no different,” he explained.

“Our momentum at the moment is at a real good level. I’m happy with how it’s going for us, considering where we were at the first part of the season.

“In these types of games the form goes out of the window. The derby games bring a different sort of emotion. At this moment in time, we as a team are operating at a really good level.

“So, whether it’s home or away, we have real confidence that we can go and win the game.”

Everton too have managed to arrest poor form of late – having bounced back from their four-match losing run in the Premier League over the Christmas and new year period.

While a run of one victory from five outings since then is far from ideal form, Martinez insists his side are much improved from where they were at the start of the year.

“Obviously, the last derby that we had at Goodison [3-3 in November 2013] was a phenomenal football game with plenty of goals and two teams with a real attacking mindset,” the Spaniard said.

“I expect very much the same – two teams that are going into the fixture in very good moments of form.

“Liverpool have found their way of performing and are really enjoying a good run and we feel in a similar situation in terms of the confidence of the win that we had at the weekend.”

Liverpool’s Lazar Markovic is expected to be available despite suffering a knock against Bolton, while Martinez could welcome back James McCarthy (hamstring) and give a debut to loan signing Aaron Lennon.

Tim Howard, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar remain sidelined for Saturday’s hosts, however.