The Reds captain’s presumptive final appearance in this fixture was low on drama, with neither side able to carve out a good enough chance to decide it either way

Everton and Liverpool played out a 0-0 Premier League draw in a Merseyside derby high on emotion but lacking in quality.

The visitors created more chances and went closest to a breakthrough when Jordon Ibe – making only his second Premier League start – rattled the post with a drive from distance midway through the first half.

Steven Gerrard, featuring in what could be his final league derby, also went close on a couple of occasions but even the introduction of Daniel Sturridge early in the second half could not help Liverpool to find a winner.

A tense affair threatened to boil over 12 minutes from time when a disagreement between Muhamed Besic and Ibe sparked a brief altercation between the two sets of players. Referee Anthony Taylor cautioned Besic, Steven Naismith and Jordan Henderson before tempers were calmed.

For Everton, it was a 10th consecutive Merseyside derby without victory in all competitions, dating back to their last triumph in October 2010.

The draw leaves Roberto Martinez’s men 12th in the table with just two Premier League wins in their last 12 matches while Liverpool are five places better off, having lost just one of their past dozen top-flight games.

The Reds were first to threaten in the 10th minute when Joel Robles tipped away a Gerrard free kick that was heading for the top corner.

The visitors suffered a blow when Lucas Leiva had to be withdrawn on the quarter-hour with what looked like an injury to his left thigh. He was replaced by Joe Allen. Two minutes later, Raheem Sterling’s deflected shot rolled across the box and Robles had to rush smartly across his line to deny Ibe from close range.

Ibe went even closer in the 27th minute when he raced forward into space and thumped an effort off the left-hand post with Robles beaten.

Kevin Mirallas sent a free kick narrowly wide from 30 yards at the start of the second half, although Simon Mignolet looked to have it covered at his near post.

Liverpool hit back with Sterling twice shooting straight at Robles before an acrobatic Gerrard effort was headed over the crossbar by Naismith.

With 55 minutes gone, Brendan Rodgers brought on Sturridge in place of Philippe Coutinho in a bid to break the deadlock. Everton responded with a change of their own as Aaron Lennon, signed on loan from Tottenham on transfer deadline day, replaced Mirallas.

With five minutes remaining there was one final chance for the hosts when Seamus Coleman saw his effort parried behind by Mignolet, as the game ended with honours even.

As he prepares to face Everton for the last time in a red shirt on Saturday, the LA Galaxy-bound midfielder is keen to extend his good record in the fixture

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists that he will not change his approach for his 33rd and final Merseyside derby against Everton, on Saturday.

The midfielder is to leave the Reds at the end of the season to join MLS franchise LA Galaxy, bringing to an end a glittering career with his hometown club.

Gerrard has scored 10 goals against Everton – including a hat-trick in 2012 – and will naturally be keen to get one over on the old enemy for the last time, but the former England international is adamant that the occasion of his last local derby will not alter his mindset for a game that could prove pivotal in the race for the Champions League places.

“It’s the fixture that I look for at the beginning of the season,” Gerrard told the club’s official website.

“I love playing against Everton. I’ve got friends and family members who are big blues and it’s all about the bragging rights in the city.

“I’ll focus on [Saturday’s game] exactly how I have done in the previous derbies I’ve played in.

“It’s a bit different from a normal league game but I’m looking forward to that one and hopefully I can add to my good derby record.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that Gerrard’s impending move to the United States will be greeted with delight by the blue half of Merseyside.

“I’m sure [Everton] will be glad to see the back of him,” the Northern Irishman added. “He’s been an incredible player for this club. He’s played in so many derby games and been outstanding.”

The Barcelona forward, who has known the playmaker since they were young, backs his compatriot to fill the creative void left by the Uruguayan at Anfield

Barcelona star Neymar is convinced that Philippe Coutinho can become the best player in the Premier League and step up as Liverpool’s new Luis Suarez.

The 22-year-old playmaker struck the winning goal for the Reds in their FA Cup tie against Bolton, curling a long-range shot into the top corner, and is becoming increasingly influential – even likened to Uruguay ace Suarez by Brendan Rodgers.

Neymar believes that the Merseysiders have missed a spark of creativity since Suarez joined him at Camp Nou but is confident that Coutinho can take over that mantle.

“We have been good friends since we were 16. Not only is he a fantastic player, he is a good guy to have in the dressing room, always positive and making jokes,” the forward is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

“I think, since Luis joined us at Barcelona, Liverpool have not had that one player they can look to for that special moment.

“Couto can be that player for them, I’m sure. When he has the ball at his feet, he can make things happen for himself and he can make things happen for other players. He is a very special player.”

Coutinho was overlooked for Brazil’s squad for the World Cup last summer but new boss Dunga has returned him to the fold and Neymar hopes that he can make a big impact.

The Barca star added: “The national steam is very strong but, the way he is playing for Liverpool, I’m sure he will be a big part of Brazil going forward.”