It's Gerrard's biggest Merseyside derby

Steven Gerrard has billed Sunday's showdown with Everton at Anfield as the biggest Merseyside derby of his career to date and warned his teammates that millions of pounds, not just pride, will be riding on the result.

Barring a shock triumph in this season's Champions League, Liverpool must overhaul their neighbours and secure a fourth-place finish in the Premiership to qualify for next year's tournament.

But they have left themselves with everything to do. An uninspired display in a goalless draw with Blackburn in midweek left Rafael Benitez's squad trailing Everton by seven points with the time to make up the gap fast running out.

"This one is about a lot more than local pride. There might be millions at stake," Gerrard said.

"It is going to be a massive game for us, a game that will tell us a lot about where we are going to finish the season."

The Liverpool skipper added: "They are very emotional games anyway but this might just be the biggest derby I've played in.

"The league is not going to change that dramatically between now and the end of the season, so it is vital that we close the gap. We know it will be a tough afternoon but we believe we are the better team."

Everton boss David Moyes might dispute that last assertion. The Scot has this season coaxed remarkably consistent performances from a squad that lost its biggest name, Wayne Rooney, at the start of the season, and another key player in Thomas Gravesen, in January.

Some of the money raised by Rooney's sale to Manchester United has been invested in former England striker James Beattie, who could return from three-match suspension in Sunday's match at Anfield.

Beattie has enjoyed a troubled start to his career on Merseyside. After earning his ban for headbutting Chelsea's William Gallas last month, he got caught up in a late-night fracas, prompting Moyes to speak to him about the need for a more professional approach.

"He has to realise that Everton are a big football club with high expectations, and we expect good standards by all the players on and off the pitch."

Beattie has used his time on the sidelines to work on his fitness and Moyes is now expecting payback on the six million pounds he invested in the player.

"I'm sure he will knuckle down now and get some goals."

Beattie's chances of starting on Sunday are likely to depend on whether Spanish midfielder Mikael Arteta passes a late fitness test. If he is unavailable, first choice striker Marcus Bent is likely to be shifted to the right of midfield with Beattie coming into the side.

Moyes also has a doubt over the fitness of Scotland forward James McFadden.