Legendary Argentine battler takes on Liverpool’s greatest ever…
1) Leonardo Ulloa v Martin Skrtel
Skrtel normally picks the physical battles against opposition strikers, and Ulloa, despite going off the boil, still stands at 6 ft. 2″ and cuts a commanding and powerful figure. If Skrtel can keep him quiet, and stop the Argentine holding the ball up and brining others into play, Leicester’s attacking threat will be largely subdued.
2) Richie de Laet v Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s played on the left in recent weeks, and looked far more dangerous than when deployed on the right. He has the pace, dribbling ability and raw skill to cause Tigers right-back de Laet problems all evening. Liverpool’s midfielders should try and isolate Sterling in one-on-one situations with the Belgian.
3) Esteban Cambiasso v Steven Gerrard
At one point during the past decade, this would have been a battle between two of the very best midfielders in world football. Despite approaching the end of their careers, both will likely be charged with dictating possession in the centre – and playing raking balls to onrushing wide-men. Whoever manages to control the game will seriously give their side the upper hand.
4) Wes Morgan v Rickie Lambert
Not the most glamorous battle, but a tremendously important one nonetheless. Lambert’s scored two in three, and is a certainty to lead the line once more because of Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli’s injuries. Judging by Premier League standards, Morgan and his likely partner Marcin Waliweski are poor centre-backs – and Lambert will be desperate to find the back of the net once again.
5) Riyad Mahrez v Glen Johnson
Mahrez is actually a very dangerous dribbler, and if Johnson comes in at left-back for Jose Enrique, the Englishman will have to seriously up his defensive level to deal with the Algerian flyer. There’s a chance Alberto Moreno will start at left-back instead, and he’ll potentially have to tame his attacking instincts too.
