Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard aims to put the pressure on Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League on Saturday by helping his team claim top spot at West Ham.

If the Reds win, it will be the first time since the inception of the Premier League that they have led with two games to go. Of course United, with a game in hand, can reclaim top spot by winning at home to neighbours Manchester City 24 hours later.

But Gerrard said: "We will keep going until the end. We won't surrender when we're so close. Winning the title with this club would mean the world to me."

He added: "We have got world-class players, we have turned in some fantastic displays of attacking football and some really solid defensive performances.

"We have got absolutely everything you need to be successful at the very highest level. We have got players making an impact from the start and boys coming off the bench and affecting the game.

"I have got to pay tribute to the manager (Rafael Benitez) because it is difficult for him picking only 11 players for the starting line-up.

"Keeping the lads on the bench, and those who have missed out on the squad, in the frame of mind to make a significant contribution is a difficult task, but Rafa's been able to do that this season.

"That is not an easy balancing act but he manages it brilliantly. He and his coaches keep everyone hungry and ready. As a player now you can't be selfish. Certainly, you can't be selfish at Liverpool.

"It is a squad game, and if you're not in the starting line-up you cannot be thinking, 'I'm giving in'."

If Liverpool take all three points at the Boleyn Ground, they will reach the 80-point mark for only the third time in the Premier League - their highest is the 82 amassed in the 2005-06 season, when they finished third.