Roberto Firmino vs Ashley Williams
Liverpool’s false number 9, Firmino, who although has had a pretty inconsistent season so far, is capable of causing tremendous damage to any side. The 25-year-old Brazilian has scored nine goals and provided seven assists so far.
His main strength has been his work rate up front and Jurgen Klopp has used the maximum of it. His big frame also makes him lethal in aerial duels and with a shot accuracy of 62%, Liverpool will bank heavily on him to draw the first blood. Tackling him will be tricky as Ronald Koeman cannot allot a particular player to mark him, and his tenacity to chase defenders also leads them to make mistakes.
Playing a high line against Liverpool is as much productive as it is not. Players like Firmino know how to make the maximum of spaces left behind the back line and his unparalleled stamina doubles his threat. Williams will have to be on red-alert right till the final whistle when covering him. Williams has been Everton’s most consistent player this season. He has won 30 tackles so far with a success rate of 45%, making 47 interceptions, 203 clearances and 20 blocks.
Sadio Mane vs Leighton Baines
Clearly, Liverpool’s best player this season, Mane will once again pack a big punch to Everton’s defence as has been the case with him against big teams this season. The Senegal international has scored 12 goals and six assists for Liverpool so far and his defence ripping runs are unequalled in the league.
Mane would definitely be Liverpool’s sharpest weapon in the Merseyside derby. He has created 43 chances from the right wing so far completing 779 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 78%, of which 73% have been forward passes.
Everton will have Premier League veteran Leighton Baines taking his position on that flank. Toffees’ ever reliable full-back is definitely the best player Everton have in that position and his intelligent game reading would come in handy. Though stopping Mane would cut down a lot on Baines’ offensive contribution, but it will be worth it.
Romelu Lukaku vs Joel Matip
The best centre-forward on the ground will definitely be the Belgian superstar. The 23-year-old is 0ne of the contenders for Premier League’s top scorer this season. He has scored 18 goals this season, and registered five assists, with an impressive shot accuracy of 67%. He is equally dominant from aerial duels and would be Liverpool’s biggest threat for the game.
Klopp will have Matip to cover him and given how criticised Liverpool’s defence has been this season, one can only hope they keep Lukaku at bay. Matip has won 58% of his duels so far and will have a tough time covering him.
