Everton defender Phil Jagielka impressed in midweek but still needs to be dropped for Liverpool clash

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For Tuesday night’s trip to Cardiff City, Marco Silva took a risk and restored Everton captain Phil Jagielka to his starting line-up.

This could have backfired but Jagielka turned in an impressive display to help Everton to a clean sheet and a 3-0 win.

The veteran centre-half was playing just his third game of the season and his first outing since a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea in November.

His only other appearance this season ended in a 40th minute red card against Wolves back in August.

But Jagielka staked his claim for a place in this weekend’s Merseyside derby clash with an assured display at centre-back.

The 36-year-old made two interceptions, four clearances and won four aerial duels to minimise Cardiff’s threat (stats via Who Scored).

But despite a solid display, Jagielka cannot keep his place for the match against title hopefuls Liverpool this weekend.

Liverpool will bring a different threat to Goodison Park and the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing Jagielka.

The former England international is past his peak and Mane and Salah have the legs to give him a nightmarish afternoon.

With Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina both available, this should be a straightforward decision for Silva.