Three key battles ahead of Everton’s trip to Merseyside rivals Liverpool

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Philippe Coutinho vs Mason Holgate

In the absence of Adam Lallana’s midfield creativity, Liverpool will turn to Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho to provide an innovative spark from midfield and push the Reds forward.

Lallana has been involved in 14 goals this season, second only to Sadio Mane, and Coutinho will have the task of stepping up to the plate and causing Everton’s defence problems with his trickery.

Yet their opponents have injury worries of their own after Seamus Coleman’s horrific leg-break during the recent international break and Ramiro Funes Mori’s withdrawal from Argentina’s World Cup qualifier through injury; with options dwindling, Mason Holgate could now be given the call up.

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The 20-year-old has made nine appearances in the league so far this season, yet to lose a match and keeping four clean sheets, and he seems the likely candidate to slot into the Toffees’ back-line.

With the news that both Coleman and Funes Mori will be ruled out until the end of the season, Holgate will have to ensure he’s sharp from the first whistle at Anfield on his return to the Everton side and keep track of Coutinho’s darting runs and unnerving vision to pick out runners.

Being so young, Holgate will need to play with a level of maturity on Saturday; he’ll need to avoid Coutinho cutting inside onto his right foot and be wise to Sadio Mane’s ability to switch flanks.

Ronald Koeman will be hoping it doesn’t turn into a baptism of fire for his young defender, whilst Klopp will be looking at his main man to inspire a much-needed, morale-boosting victory.