Gerrard needs goal touch in 350th game for Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, England, Oct 20 (Reuters) Steven Gerrard makes his 350th Liverpool appearance on Sunday against Manchester United with manager Rafael Benitez predicting a return to goal scoring form for his talismanic captain.

The England midfielder has yet to score for Liverpool this season despite finding the net 23 times last term -- including two goals in the FA Cup final win over West Ham.

''Steven knows he is a key player for us and his commitment in every training session is fantastic,'' Benitez told reporters today.''We will see the best of Steven Gerrard soon.

''He is in good form now and looks like he can score goals again.

We need the goals that he scores.'' Benitez conceded that with last season's form, Gerrard ''would have scored 10 or 12 by now...he knows what we want from him.'' Gerrard's lack of goals is one reason why the Spaniard's team are drifting in mid-table, despite their pre-season hopes of a title challenge, and why they need to be at their best against arch-rivals who are top of the league.

Though aware of the implications of a defeat for those title hopes, Benitez said: ''It's a long race and the most important thing is for the players to focus on the next game.

''It will not be easy because Manchester United are winning and scoring goals so they will be confident. But we have a chance now to change the situation.'' Reuters PDS VV2041