Rafael Benitez wants the local passion of Steven Gerrard to drive Liverpool to Merseyside derby glory on Saturday, insisting his skipper is "indestructible."

And that is even though the Liverpool manager admitted he substituted Gerrard last season at Goodison Park because he was "showing too much passion".

Now Benitez expects to see Gerrard show a more mature approach to the 208th showdown between Liverpool and Everton, and to cap his display with the 100th goal of his Anfield career.

A Liverpool victory would not only extend their record of losing only two of their last 10 derby visits to Goodison, but also equal their best-ever Premier League start to a season after six games.

And Benitez knows Gerrard will be the key to maintaining the club's unbeaten start to the campaign.

He said: "It was a pity that Steven was denied his 100th goal for Liverpool against Stoke, but that I am sure will only motivate him more to score against Everton.

"Especially in a derby, it would be fantastic for him to get that goal, and I believe he can.

"He is always important to us. But more so in these type of games when local players are involved. Everyone knows he is key to us, and in this game more so.

"He can change games, win games and if he is not playing well he can still score and win matches for us.

"If he is playing well he is indestructible. 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.

Everton manager David Moyes believes tomorrow will be another tough encounter and claims Liverpool, not Everton, are more likely to dole out the aggressive treatment.

The famous fixture has seen 16 red cards distributed during the Premier League era - more than any other match.

And despite Everton having received 10 of those, Moyes believes Benitez's side will be the more physical side on Saturday.

The Everton manager used the recent comments of Sir Alex Ferguson following Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at Anfield earlier this month as justification for his claim.

Ferguson claimed his side were outmuscled after Liverpool came from a goal down to beat his team and give Benitez his first win over United as Liverpool manager.

Moyes has backed up his fellow Scot and accused Liverpool of "crying" foul over Everton's style of play when it is in fact they who look to get more "stuck in".

He said: "They have been games that 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 so I think it is Liverpool who cry that rather than Everton.

"Maybe you are speaking to the wrong manager."

Despite his strong words, Moyes also praised Everton's rivals and he believes Liverpool's local element is the driving force behind Benitez's outfit.

"They are a quality side and I think I would single out Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard," he added. "They are the heartbeat of Liverpool, I think they know what it's about and I am not just talking about derbies but in general."