Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield this evening.
Liverpool host Everton this evening in one of the picks of this week’s Premier League fixtures.
It’s a key game with both teams well positioned on the Premier League table. Liverpool need a win to keep the pressure up on Chelsea while Everton can leapfrog above their local rivals with three points.
It’s going to be an intense game with key battles taking place all over the pitch. We’ve picked out five key contests.
Simon Mignolet v Tim Howard
Not a direct match up but an important one nevertheless. Each side needs their goalkeeper to have a very good game, void of any errors. Whichever ‘keeper comes out of this game having done enough to earn a clean sheet, making vital saves at vital times, is likely to be on the winning side.
Martin Skrtel v Romelu Lukaku
It would be a major surprise if the on loan Chelsea striker didn’t start this game for Everton. He’ll try to use his power and presence to bully the Liverpool defence and Skrtel needs to take responsibility, step up and deal with Lukaku to stop the Belgian being a threat.
Steven Gerrard v Kevin Mirallas
Another battle where the pair of them are unlikely to be in direct competition, but where they will play similar roles. Gerrard has the edge in terms of experience but Mirallas has been in superb form in recent weeks, using his pace and movement to pull players out of position and create space.
Raheem Sterling v Leighton Baines
Sterling is likely to return to the Liverpool starting side and his pace is going to be vital. Brendan Rodgers will want him to really get at Leighton Baines, who will need every bit of his experience and positional awareness to ensure he’s not caught on the back foot.
Luis Suarez v Phil Jagielka
Jagielka is a slight injury concern for Everton but if he’s anything close to fit, he’ll go straight into the team. Suarez will drift onto him to try and exploit any injury and a lack of pace but Jagielka has been one of the most consistent centre backs in the Premier League this season.
image: © ruairaigh
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