Everton v Liverpool: Five Key Battles

Phil Jagielka v Luis Suarez

Phil Jagielka is fast becoming one of the best and most reliable defenders in England. He has a never say die attitude which means he will always put his body on the line to try and stop a goal. Luis Suarez is constantly under pressure because he’s the only recognised striker at Liverpool. Whoever edges this key battle will go a long way towards helping his side win.

Leighton Baines v Raheem Sterling

Leighton Baines is one of the most consistent left backs in the country. He is being tipped to replace Ashley Cole for England and has been linked with big money and high profile moves away from Everton. He’ll have to work very hard to keep Raheem Sterling quiet who has emerged this season as one of the most talented wide players in the Premier League. Sterling will be confident after his first goal for Liverpool last weekend.

Phil Neville v Steven Gerrard

Phil Neville will have to use every bit of his experience as an Everton player to keep Steven Gerrard quiet because Liverpool’s Gerrard has the edge over him in so many ways. Neville has to play the role of protecting the back four in this game which means spotting Gerrard’s forward runs. If Gerrard can regularly find the time and space he needs to support Suarez in attack then he could win Liverpool this match.

Nikica Jelavic v Daniel Agger

Nikica Jelavic is one of Everton’s best attacking players. He seems to have everything as a striker; he can hold the ball up, drop into midfield, play on the shoulder of the defence. He is also a great finisher which means he should be ready to take any half chance which drops his way. Daniel Agger has to stay disciplined in the Liverpool defence because Jelavic will try and pull him out of position to create space and an advantage for himself.

Victor Anichebe v Martin Skrtel

Victor Anichebe plays the role of the big front man where Everton can hit the ball long and know that it will be held up. He will have a vital role to play if Everton are chasing the game, if he comes on late on, or if he is playing up front with someone else or on his own. Martin Skrtel is the only defender in the Liverpool side who has the physique and the power to stop Anichebe from having it all his own way.

image: © Nigel Wilson