Leaders and champions Manchester United, still with a game in hand, can reclaim top spot themselves 24 hours later by beating neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford, but the significance of Liverpool's consistent challenge will not be lost on United boss Alex Ferguson.

Liverpool have never been top of the Premier League with two games to go, and United will know there can be no let-up.

Gerrard says: "We have to be proud of our achievements this season, whatever happens.

"If United close it out then they will know we are going to have a right good go at them over the next three, four or five years and I believe we are too good not to win it at some stage.

"I honestly believe in my heart of hearts that this team will win the Premier League trophy. I believe I'll get my hands on it."

Arsenal and Chelsea, each beaten in the Champions League semi-finals this week, are already assured of the other two spots for next season in the Champions League.

They meet at the Emirates, and if Chelsea win they will secure third spot at least, with Arsenal confirmed in fourth.

Aston Villa and Everton are fighting it out for fifth place. Villa have a tough trip to Fulham while FA Cup finalists Everton are at home to Spurs.

Villa and Everton are already assured of a European spot next term, but their opponents on Saturday need points in the battle for seventh, the final qualification position for Europe.

Every other game has a major baring on the relegation battle. If bottom club West Brom lose at home to Wigan, and Hull win at home to Stoke, then the midlanders will be down.

Portsmouth could also be all but safe if they win at Blackburn, while Sunderland will be desperate for something at Bolton.

But the real cliff-hanger is at St James' Park on Monday when Newcastle clash with Middlesbrough. Both are in the bottom three, and the loser can start checking the Coca-Cola Championship road map.