England and Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard is due to enter the witness box to defend himself against an affray charge.
The 29-year-old hit businessman Marcus McGee, 34, during a row over music at the Lounge Inn bar in Southport in the early hours of December 29 last year.
But the Anfield hero told detectives after being arrested he acted in self defence because he believed Mr McGee, whom he called "arrogant", was about to hit him.
The father-of-two will now tell the story for himself to the seven women and five men of the jury.
The trial, at Liverpool Crown Court, could finish before the weekend.
It had been scheduled to last several weeks but Gerrard's six co-accused pleaded guilty to affray and threatening behaviour.
On Wednesday, smartly-dressed Mr McGee said the midfielder demanded a card from him that controlled the bar's stereo.
When he refused, he said, Gerrard returned several minutes later and asked him: "Who the f*** do you think you are?" before hitting him three times.
