Premier League 2018-19: 5 talking points ahead of the do-or-die derby between Everton and Liverpool

#3 Virgil Van Dijk or Phil Jagielka – The Wall

Liverpool FC v Watford FC - Premier League

Phil Jagielka has missed most of this season for Everton, either sidelined with a knee injury or simply with Kurt Zuma and Michael Keane preferred over him. Jagielka has long been a wall for the Everton defence, usually bringing out all the tricks from his bag - be it the rough tackles or the towering headers.

On the opposite side is Virgil Van Dijk, who has played most of Liverpool’s matches this season and been an absolute wall in the defence. Paired up with Joe Gomez earlier, then with Dejan Lovren and now with Joel Matip, Van Dijk is the only constant that has always been turning up.

Having scored a double against Watford, Van Dijk would be raring to go one up on Jagielka.

#4 England’s No. 1 vs Brazil’s No. 1

Everton FC v Manchester City - Premier League

Throwback to the 2018 World Cup where Jordan Pickford’s England had a better run in the competition than Alisson Becker’s Brazil. England made it to the semi-final where they lost to the runner-up Croatia, while Brazil’s World Cup ended in the quarter-finals.

Fast forward to the Premier League this season as Liverpool secured the signing of Alisson Becker, thus improving their defence. The newcomer Alisson has 16 clean sheets in 28 appearances in the Premier League, conceding only 15 goals, while Pickford has 7 clean sheets in 28 appearances, conceding 39 goals.

So far, it has been Alisson’s game. But it remains to be seen who’ll have the better day in goal on Sunday.

#5 Merseyside Derby history

Liverpool FC v Everton FC - Premier League

The last time Liverpool and Everton met, it ended in a dramatic 90+6 minutes winner from Divock Origi for Liverpool. This Sunday promises even more drama.

Liverpool have been unbeaten in the last 18 matches against Everton in all competitions, recording 9 wins and 9 draws. But on Sunday, even a draw could prove fatal for the current league leaders.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have to win if they want to hold the Premier League title at the end of the season, while Everton would be happy to shatter their neighbors' dreams.