Steven Gerrard: Liverpool can turn season around by sticking together - starting at Everton on Sunday

Steven Gerrard has issued a call for unity ahead of Sunday’s 212th Merseyside derby.

Liverpool head to Goodison on a real low after exiting the Champions League in yet another blow to their car crash of a season.

Defeat to Everton would deepen the crisis at Anfield and the Gerrard claims it is time for everyone at the club to pull together.

The Reds skipper says the team can come through this turbulent time and claim a Champions League place for next season.

“We’re all aware the season isn't going the way we would want it to and we're really disappointed to have gone out of the Champions League," said the England star.

"We're far from happy with our form in the Premier League as well, but the only way to turn things around is by sticking together.

"We've shown in the past what we can achieve when we do that and if there's one positive about the difficult time we've been having, it's that we've all pulled together.

"The manager, the staff and the players are all working as hard as we can to try and get the improvement we've been looking for.

"It won't be easy, as we've given ourselves plenty to do, but we still have the confidence and belief that we can finish in the top four."

Liverpool are expected to be without Fernando Torres again, who scored twice in last season’s corresponding fixture, and Gerrard says the team will improve when the injured players return.

"Getting some of our injured players back playing regularly will make a big difference and give everyone a boost,” he said. “The key now is to keep working together.

"We owe it to the club, ourselves and most importantly to our fans, as their support has been magnificent at time when things haven't gone as well as we'd all like."

Fernando Torres to have late fitness test on Saturday ahead of crucial Merseyide derby