Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits the lead-up to the Merseyside derby is the best week of the season.

Gerrard will start on the bench today at Everton.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "I think it's the best week of the season. These are the two favourite games for me with Manchester United a close second. Because of the Merseyside rivalry and the buzz you get from beating them, it's probably my favourite game, so I'm looking forward to it.

"We'll just have to wait and see what Kenny decides to do with the team and whether I'm going to be in from the start or on the bench, but whatever he decides I'll be ready."