One of the Premier League’s fiercest derbies returns on Sunday as Everton host Liverpool with the chance to spoil their fierce rivals’ chase for a first league title in 29 years.
Both sides come into this game high on confidence after midweek wins that featured excellent performances from their No10s, Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane.
The duel between the two attacking stars headlines our key player battles for the Merseyside derby.
Gylfi Sigurdsson vs Sadio Mane
Sigurdsson goes into this game on a high, having scored twice in Everton’s midweek win over Cardiff City.
It hasn’t quite worked out for the brilliant Iceland midfielder at Goodison Park, though he’s had his moments – that particular performance being one of them. On his day he’s capable of brilliance, with the ability to beat any defence with a clever pass, mazy run, or smart finish. But it’s as much manager Marco Silva’s inability to gel all his summer signings that is a reason for Sigurdsson’s struggles as opposed to a lack of form from the former Tottenham and Swansea schemer.
And Liverpool are well aware of the threat he poses, as Sigurdsson has four goals against the Reds in his career. Everton’s attack hasn’t always clicked this season but if their No10 is in the mood, that won’t be a problem.
Of course, if Liverpool’s No10 is in the mood, Sigurdsson’s form may not matter. Mane has been one of the best players in the league this season, and like his opposite number, he scored twice in midweek – including one utterly sumptuous goal – during a 5-1 win over Watford.
Though Mohamed Salah gets most of the attention, Mane is equally capable of having a game-changing impact. The Senegal forward’s direct running and skill on the ball, combined with his penchant for spectacular goals, will have Everton defenders on their toes whenever he’s in possession.
Sigurdsson vs Mane is a an intriguing contest.
Idrissa Gueye vs Fabinho
Everton have been inconsistent this season, but that can’t be said of midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who’s been a lynchpin at the base of midfield for the Toffees.
His 4.3 tackles per game are the highest of any player in the league, a sign of how vital a player he is for Silva’s side. The Senegalese’s ability to snuff out danger will be vital against the Liverpool counter, which will provide a big test of his abilities.
Everton’s hopes of getting something out of this game are dependent on Gueye performing at his best. And if he helps deny Liverpool the title, he’ll be even more loved by the Everton fans than he already is.
It’s hard to remember now, but early this season Fabinho couldn’t get a game for Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp kept delaying the Brazilian’s introduction to the Premier League until he was sure his summer recruit was ready for it.
That decision has paid off, as the former Monaco man has blossomed into his side’s best midfielder. It helps that he can also play as a full-back and centre-back, but the performances he’s put in, in the centre of the park, have vaulted him into the main contender for the unofficial signing of the season award. In the heat of the Merseyside derby, Fabinho’s cool head will be key.
Men in the middle: Gueye vs Fabinho.
Michael Keane vs Virgil van Dijk
Michael Keane has at times looked shaky since moving to Goodison Park but, recently, he’s begun to look more like the uncompromising, classy defender who made a name for himself at Burnley.
This game will prove a true test of the England man’s credentials, however, as he has to deal with one of European football’s most feared attacks. How he fares against Salah, Mane, and Roberto Firmino, a front three capable of running riot at times, will go a long way to determining whether Everton can finally experience some derby joy. He did have a good game against Liverpool earlier this season; his side will want more of the same on Sunday.
There may still be questions over Keane’s ability but, at the moment, the only question hanging over Virgil van Dijk’s head is where exactly he ranks on the list of the world’s best defenders.
The proof is in the pudding: Liverpool have more clean sheets than goals conceded in the Premier League this season, as Van Dijk has superbly marshaled a resolute defence.
Not since 2004/05 has a defender – Chelsea’s John Terry – won the PFA Player of the Year award, but the Dutchman will be the favourite if Liverpool win the league title this season.
And for that to happen, he’ll have to be at his commanding, brilliant best in this potential banana-skin of a derby.
Rock solid: Keane vs Van Dijk.
