Premier League encounters do not come much more fierce than the Merseyside Derby.
This one, though, has an added sprinkle of spice. Everton could yet break into the top six after a brilliant 2017, while Liverpool are bobbing along in the top four, but would surely see the gap cut to an uncomfortable distance with defeat here.
It will be a fiery match regardless of the tactics between the two sides and we can expect a hostile atmosphere that will only amplify if Ronald Koeman’s Everton produce a similar aggressive, hard-tackling performance to the one they did in the reverse of this fixture earlier in the campaign.
With only a few matches left in this season, this will be decisive for both clubs. It could determine their final finishing position as well as their potential European commitments next term. Add that to the tension of a derby and we have one of the biggest matches of the campaign.
Here are FIVE key battles we must focus on, though…
Romelu Lukaku vs. Joel Matip
Romelu Lukaku is in fearsome form at the moment, but if there is one defender who can come close to his pace and power it is Joel Matip. While he may be partnered by the worry-inducing Ragnar Klavan, Matip has been key for Liverpool defensively throughout much of this season.
Lukaku has, understandably, been the key contributor of goals for Everton and the team is set up to play to his strengths. The Belgian can be near unplayable on his day and, despite the talents of Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas, Matip’s duel with him will be the key one in Everton’s final third.
Sadio Mane vs. Leighton Baines
Mane’s campaign has been a sensational one. He would have been in the running for Player of the Year had Liverpool’s season not tailed off dramatically, in fact. This Everton defence seems a prime target for a forward with the pace and nous of movement of Mane. Whether up against Baines or the left-sided central defender, Everton cannot afford to leave any space for him to run into.
When Mane has been nullified, it has often followed that Liverpool have been too. Everton must find a way to, at the very least, limit his influence if they are to have any meaningful say in the outcome of the match.
Jordan Henderson vs. Ross Barkley
Everton midfielder Barkley has been enjoying the free role given to him by manager Ronald Koeman in recent weeks, and he is starting to make the consistent impact that he needs to make at this level.
The England international – who failed to make appearance for the Three Lions in their two fixtures last week – has scored four goals and provided seven assists this term in 26 Premier League appearances.
He will need to be closely watched by Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who could return to the starting line-up after missing the last four league games because of a foot injury.
Philippe Coutinho vs. Mason Holgate
With Seamus Coleman ruled out for a number of months following his double leg break while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, young Toffees star Holgate is likely to take his place at right-back and that is something that is likely to please Coutinho.
The Brazilian will know that he is coming up against a 20-year-old that has made just 12 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season, and despite making only 22 outings in the Premier League himself because of injury, the attacker has still managed to score six goals and provide five assists.
Holgate will need to make sure that he doesn’t allow Coutinho to cut in on his right foot, as he can be a threat with his long-range strikes.
Roberto Firmino vs. Phil Jagielka
Despite scoring just once in his last six Premier League matches – and eight in all competitions – Firmino continues to get the nod in attack over the likes of Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge.
With nine top-flight goals this season, the 25-year-old is still a huge threat because of his finishing ability, movement and link-up play with the likes of Coutinho and Mane, and Toffees captain Jagielka will need to use his quality and experience to keep the Brazilian from finding the target at Anfield.