Steven Gerrard: Liverpool & Everton table battle is no big deal

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists it would be "no big deal" if his side finish above local rivals Everton this season.

The Toffees visit Anfield on Sunday, knowing a win will guarantee they finish above their rivals for a second consecutive season.

But Gerrard, 32, said: "It's nothing to finish sixth or seventh.

"We want to win the derby but if we finish above Everton there will be no celebrating as it's nothing, really."

Liverpool go into Sunday's Merseyside derby in seventh place in the Premier League, five points adrift of Everton in sixth, with three games remaining.

David Moyes's men are still chasing a top-five spot which would earn them a place in next season's Europa League.

"If Everton finish above us, their supporters are really happy and their players and everyone is really happy, then that's up to them," said Gerrard.

"It's no big deal. We want to win, of course we do. We want to finish above Everton, of course we do. In the big picture, is it really important?

"I don't know - maybe not."

Everton defender Sylvain Distin has mocked Liverpool fans, claiming they are "begging for a mistake" from him.

But when asked if Everton, who have not won a major trophy since their 1995 FA Cup success, were now the major force on Merseyside, Gerrard replied: "Yeah, but they haven't won anything, have they?"

Reds defender Jamie Carragher, 35, is expected to feature in what will be his last Merseyside derby, having decided to retire at the end of the season.

And Gerrard believes the former England defender will be desperate to get one over on the visitors.

"He'll want to win his last derby and finish above Everton," he said.

"That will definitely be in Carra's head, 100%."