Cast your mind back to the start of the season. While Daniel Sturridge was banging in the goals with Luis Suarez still on the sidelines for tucking into Branislav Ivanovic's arm, most pundits were asking the question: Can the two play together? The answer, it appears, has been nothing other than a resounding yes. Since Suarez's ban elapsed, the pair have formed a formidable partnership which has seen Liverpool within touching distance of the Premier League summit. Most teams have struggled to contain the movement between them and failed to break down the seemingly telepathic understanding they now share. However, they find themselves up against a long standing centre half pairing who conceded less than one goal per game. Phil Jagielka, now first choice for England, and Sylvain Distin have been together for a number of years. As much as the Liverpool strike force have an understanding of each other, Everton's back line have a plethora of experience playing together. While 'SAS' may target movement in behind Distin, who is no spring chicken, the Frenchman has plied his trade at the top for a number of years now and will be more than wary of the threat he faces. Which battles do you think will define the Merseyside Derby? Share your thoughts below.
First year student at Sunderland University with a passion for all things sport - more specifically cricket and football. Follow me on Twitter - @luke_bidwell.
