LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard is confident of facing Manchester City on Saturday following a nagging groin injury.

This is the news City fans were hoping not to hear ahead of the two sides' most important meeting in years as they compete for a place in the Premier League top four - and a spot in next year's Champions League. 

A victory for Mark Hughes' men at Anfield would put them four points ahead of Liverpool, with a game in hand, and end their run of five consecutive league draws in emphatic style.

Rafa Benitez's side have struggled for form this season, already losing five league games, but last month's 2-0 victory over Manchester United showed that they cannot be written off.

Gerrard has used the international break to step up the rehabilitation for his groin problem and believes he is over the worst.

The England midfielder could start against City after coming off the bench in the draw with Birmingham.

"I have spent the past week doing strengthening work and I'm feeling a lot better now," Gerrard told www.liverpoolfc.tv. "I'm looking forward to the weekend. There's no mental hurdle to cross.

"I've had a problem in my groin that has taken a while to get over but I'm just relieved the second injection seems to have done the trick.

"It's a case of so far so good and the aim now is to make sure I get a good week's training under my belt so I'm ready for the game with City.

"It's just a question of getting my match sharpness back now. That is the most important thing."