Brendan Rodgers will be looking to mastermind a victory over his Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez…
If we’re to leave Goodison Park with three points today, we’ll likely have to come out on top in these five individual battles…
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Martin Skrtel vs. Romelu Lukaku
Liverpool’s defensive leader will need to be at his best to keep quiet the giant Belgian striker, who has a decent record in games against the Reds.
Lukaku will be hoping to get the better of our back three – something that no Premier League striker has been able to do for several months now – and it will be up to Skrtel to ensure that he is shut out. Both players have a reputation for being physical and will no doubt push each other to the limit.
Philippe Coutinho vs. Gareth Barry
The Brazilian has been on top form lately, and will be among the favourites to win another player of the month award when Liverpool’s January result is announced.
In stark contrast, Barry has endured a difficult season thus far, and has struggled to match the level of performance he put in whilst on loan at the club during the previous campaign. He’ll need to be back to somewhere near his best if he is to prevent Coutinho from being Everton’s tormentor in chief today.
Lucas Leiva vs. Kevin Mirallas
Lucas has been just as important as any Liverpool player to our recent revival. His role in front of the defence has proved to be an invaluable one, and one that he’s done to absolute perfection.
Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas has been one of his club’s stand-out players so far this season, but is still feeling the effects of the recent penalty row with teammate Leighton Baines. If Lucas can keep him quiet, then Everton’s creativity will be all but cut off.
Raheem Sterling vs. Leighton Baines
With Daniel Sturridge likely returning to the Liverpool team in the central striking role, Sterling will be pushed into an attacking midfield position.
He’ll be asked to drift out wide and cause problems down the flanks, where he’ll come face-to-face with Leighton Baines. Despite not having his best of seasons at Goodison Park, Baines remains one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He will be doing his best to keep Sterling quiet, but our young star has been unplayable at times this campign.
Daniel Sturridge vs. Phil Jagielka
Jagielka was Everton’s hero at Anfield earlier this season, but back then he didn’t have Daniel Sturridge to contend with.
Having made a successful return to the side last weekend, Sturridge will look to be reinstated to the starting line up later today. Jagielka has struggled all season to deal with a quick pair of heels, so will likely have his hands full if Sturridge is on form.
