Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace: Brendan Rodgers Talks Steven Gerrard in Presser

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to club captain Steven Gerrard, who is set to make the final Anfield appearance of his 17-year Reds career during Saturday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

Though Liverpool's chances of Champions League qualification have all but vanished, the evening kick-off promises to be an emotional fixture for Gerrard, his colleagues and the club's supporters. Rodgers summed up his thoughts on Gerrard's contribution to the city, as reported by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Gerrard's next career step is a move to MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy, who he will join immediately after the end of his contract on July 1. Rodgers believes he is destined to return to Liverpool soon:

When asked if Gerrard will come back on loan, Rodgers responded: "It's not something we have spoken about. Our focus has been on finishing season strong," per Alex Richards of the Mirror.

Tony Barrett of The Times tweeted the manager's comments on the impact of Gerrard's departure:

Gerrard has only started 23 matches in the Premier League this season, per WhoScored.com. However, Rodgers indicated he is likely to contribute from the off against Palace, as reported by Pearce:

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Tributes have been coming in from across the footballing world. Frank Lampard, Gerrard's former England team-mate, suggests he loved playing against the Liverpool man, per Sky Sports (h/t Audioboom):

Liverpool are six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games remaining. The Reds need to win both matches, watch United lose theirs and hope a 14-goal swing takes place in the process.

It was United's win over Palace, and Liverpool's draw with Chelsea, that made the situation almost impossible for Rodgers' men.

Anfield will still expect a win, however, particularly because it would be a fitting way to send Gerrard off. Despite missing a penalty during his last Merseyside appearance, he went on to net the winner against Queens Park Rangers. He also scored the equaliser against Chelsea last time out.

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Palace have lost their last four matches and are currently stationed 12th in the Premier League. The Eagles' away record is particularly neat—winning, drawing and losing six, per WhoScored—so they are equipped to play the role of party poopers if Rodgers' squad aren't focused on the match ahead.

The result of this fixture is likely to be inconsequential, but Liverpool fans will make it a day to remember for Gerrard. He has served them brilliantly, and upon his Anfield bow, he deserves to be remembered as the legendary club man he is.