Everton vs Liverpool - 5 Key Battles To Define The Derby

3. Lukaku Vs Skrtel & Agger

How Everton fans have rejoiced since signing Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea. With attacking options looking threadbare in the form of Nikica Jelavic and Steven Naismith, the ex-West Brom forward rejected a loan move back to the Midlands in favour of a switch to Goodison Park. In the short time he has been on Merseyside, Lukaku has announced himself as one of the league's most fearsome goal grabbers, contributing five goals in seven appearances. Statistics simply fail to reflect the way the 20-year-old has battered his way through opposition defences, particularly prevalent in the televised game against Newcastle. A big asset to his game is the ability to hold the ball up, especially as he is often deployed as a lone striker, bringing his midfield runners into the action. Lukaku is also no slouch in the air, his physical presence enough to make any centre half around the world doubt their ability to win a header against him. Liverpool have centre half pairing that could potentially halt the Belgian in his tracks. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, in conceding less than one goal per game, have built solid foundations for their side to build on going forward. Both have a tenacious and no-nonsence style, particularly a requirement when coming up against someone with a physical presence such as Everton's striker. This could be an intriguing clash and Liverpool's defence will have to remain on their mark for the whole 90 minutes in order to thwart the advances of Everton's attacking lynchpin.