The Light Blues have qualified for post-Christmas European football for the second season in succession, and go into tomorrow’s game after a weekend win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference, Gerrard explained: "Since the weekend, after another positive result and a clean sheet, the players had a day off and then we went straight into our Antwerp preparation.
"I don't know whether the boys have got the bit between the teeth, but they certainly look really in a zone and focused and ready to put in a performance tomorrow night.
"I can only gauge the mood and where I think they are at, and I am really content with where we are going into tomorrow's game.
"I can see a twinkle in the boys' eyes - they are really ready to go and if training is anything to go by, I think we are about to put in a performance."
The manager was asked about the return of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe to contention following suspension issues – and he is delighted they are adding to the selection headaches he has had all season given the excellent squad he has at his disposal.
He continued: "I am facing challenges in every game as I have a big squad, and before this week, there have always been two players in each position fighting for the shirt and the jersey - and not just in the forward areas but in midfield as well, number 10 positions, number eight position and in the holding role, I always have big decisions to make.
"That has been the case all season and that is the reason why we are in the position we are in because we have had the right numbers in the squad who are the right quality, and we have managed really well throughout situations where we have maybe had injuries or suspensions.
"But, what I will say, is the squad is really healthy at the moment in-terms of the players who have played a lot.
"I know Alfredo Morelos is really chomping at the bit to get back and make up for the time he has lost, and I think he owes it to his teammates to come back in a good place and try to finish the season in the best place he can.
"Kemar is slightly different as he still has to serve a one-game ban at the weekend, but again, I am delighted he is available for both legs."
The manager was also quizzed on reports Antwerp will be missing a number of players for tomorrow’s match.
He doesn’t, however, see that affecting his preparations and added: "I don't think that because they have got some absentees they are going to all of a sudden change the way they play in-terms of systems and formations.
"We always try to cover the recent games that they have played and they seem to have stuck to a similar system, although within that system, sometimes they go with two number nines or two number 10's and they play a back five.
"Listen, they are a squad littered with talented players and they are a bi squad so I am sure they will manage without their absentees.
"I know some of them will return for the second leg, but all of our focus is on the first 90 minutes of the tie and we are up against a very experienced manager who has been successful on his coaching journey.
"He knows the game and they are sitting in a nice position in the league in second place - they have done ever so well.
"We are going over there with big respect for this team - we know it will be a big challenge but we are really looking forward to it.
"We are in a good place ourselves and I think it will be a fantastic game over both legs."
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