Venue: Goodison Park Date: Saturday, 27 September Kick-off: 1245 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM, 1485 MW and DAB, Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day
Rival managers David Moyes and Rafael Benitez agree Reds midfielder Steven Gerrard will be key to the outcome of Saturday's Everton-Liverpool Benitez waits on Gerrard fitness ...
Chelsea sign Barca playmaker Deco ... derby.
Goodison Park plays host to the 208th showdown between the clubs, with the Reds hoping to extend their run of just two losses in 10 visits to Everton.
And Benitez said: "Everyone knows Steve is key to us, and in these games even more so. He can be indestructible."
"They are a quality side and Steven is the heartbeat," added Moyes.
"I think I would single out Steven and Jamie Carragher; they know what it's about and I am not just talking about derbies but in general.
"They are the heart and soul of the club and because they are local lads as well they know what it means."
Should Liverpool win the match it will represent the club's best ever start to a Premier League campaign after six matches.
And Benitez said: "Everyone knows Steve is key to us. He can change games, win games and if he is not playing well he can still score and win matches for us. He has the mentality and passion for these games and he is important to all the other players."
Liverpool completed the double over Everton last season, and have lost only two of their last 17 meetings with their neighbours.
But Benitez is looking beyond this local skirmish, saying: "We have started the season well. We are improving.
"But we are only at 60% of our potential at the moment. If we keep improving we will get closer to what we want."
Referee Mike Riley may be in for a busy afternoon. There have been seven red cards in the last seven meetings between the clubs and 16 in 32 Premier League clashes.
And Benitez added: "There have been a lot of red cards in these games, and that is because players are under pressure. But the longer it goes on, these players mature and are able to handle the situation better.
"I only enjoy it if we win. Beforehand and during the match it can be very difficult."
Moyes claims Liverpool, and not Everton, are more likely to dole out the aggressive treatment, saying: "They (past derbies) have been hotly contested and I am sure this one will be as well.
"I think in the main, the team that has got stuck in is Liverpool. They have been very aggressive, I think Alex Ferguson said that the other week about their style at the moment. They are a very tough team."
For their part, Everton fans will not be buoyed by Moyes' frank admission that his squad is suffering a collective dip in confidence following their recent performances.
His side have failed to keep a clean sheet this season - or pick up a single point at home in the Premier League - and they crashed out of the Carling Cup in the week following a defeat against Blackburn.
But Moyes is convinced the lack of confidence is only temporary and he is determined to help his squad through it.
"I would be lying if I said we were bumbling and brimming with confidence," he said. "But my job is to put that right and you have to be prepared at times to take risks.
"My job as manager is to find the solutions and get us the results and raise that confidence which will lead to better performances."
(BBC)
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