Everton vs Liverpool - 5 Key Battles To Define The Derby

4. Can Steven Gerrard Produce?

If you would like anyone to explain about the passion of a Merseyside derby, Steven Gerrard would be better placed than most to say exactly what it means. The one-club man has been there and seen it all before. He is set to make his 30th appearance in this fixture, remaining an integral cog in the Liverpool midfield. Despite taking more of a deep-lying role as the years wear on, Gerrard's vision and ability to make a diagonal, defence-splitting pass are second to none. If anyone can produce what's required to win a game of such magnitude, Gerrard is certainly that man. How he fares against Everton's midfield will be one of the key battles of the day. Should Everton's full backs dare to push forward and lose the ball, the Liverpudlian possess the qualities to slice them open straight away. While he doesn't quite carry the responsibility of his side any more, with Suarez worth more than his weight in goals, the 33-year-old remains the heart and soul of the outfit and needs to perform to give his side chance of victory.