Steven Gerrard vs Luka Modric and the key battles between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur

One of the best right backs to race forward, Johnson will be instructed to keep Bale into a spot by pushing him as back as possible. Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will want the Englishman to perform the way he did against Chelsea to stand any chance against Bale, who has been twisting and turning past every defender put against him so far.

The best person to represent Spurs’ transformation would most certainly be their Welsh Wizard, Gareth Bale. Almost loaned out to Nottingham Forrest three years ago, Bale has now cemented his place as one of Europe’s best wingers. 10 goals in the league so far, which is just one less than his total last season, are proof that his improvement is yet to stop. Liverpool will be lucky to have Glen Johnson on the pitch, as they look to strike fire with fire.

The most recent example of Gerard’s influence can be found in Liverpool’s recent run of form. Inconsistent throughout the season, Liverpool have found a solid sense of stability well reflected in their victories against City and United. Inevitably it has been the mere presence of their talisman who continues to show rapid improvement after a groin injury that had kept him out for much of the last year.

However his opposite number is a little man with little tricks that create a major impact. Since the curtains fell on the Juande Ramos horror show, Luka Modric has risen to be among the finest and most consistent central midfielders in the League. The perfect balance of clever craft and labour, Modric is the heartbeat of the Spurs midfield, controlling possession from deep midfield, spraying the ball forward and scoring the occasional goal. Probably the most eagerly awaited clash in this match as two of the best and the most versatile midfielders position themselves against each other.

One of the best to things to happen for Liverpool in Kenny Dalglish’s return has to be the capture of Luis Suarez. A well documented figure of controversy, there has rarely been a dull moment with Suarez in a Liverpool shirt. It didn’t take him much time to start scoring, and he achieved cult status with his performances against Manchester United last year, setting up Dirk Kuyt’s first goal by gliding past the defense, and taking the free kick that led to the Dutchman’s hat-trick. Often the sole spark in their worst games, Suarez is a handful when around and should return with a bang after an 8 match ban.

He goes up against one of the most experienced defenders in the League, Ledley King. One of the best readers of the ball, King has a high level of anticipation and competent in the air as well. His presence at the back gives Spurs the assurity of bombing forward, as they perform at their best when he is on the team. One of the rare players who does not allow absence due to injury affect his standard on return, Spurs will hope he copes against the danger of the dynamic Suarez

The Danish International has been quite versatile for the Reds this season, at times slotting in at the left back role. Quite strong in the air, and an injury free run has seen him maintain stability in front of Pepe Reina’s goal even though at times he has been a bit hesitant to tackle. However he has a lethal left foot, and does not hesitate to bomb forward when required and unleash long strikes.

He will be up against the new found focal point of the Spurs attacking plan. Ever since his loan move to North London Emmanuel Adebayor has transformed himself to complete what eluded Spurs last season. Willing to track back and allow the likes of Bale, Van Der Vaart and Lennon to enter into the box or exchange passes with Defoe when they play a 4-4-2, Adebayor is now a team player not only scoring 9 goals but also placing 7 assists almost more than he has ever done in a single season. Agger and co. will have their hands full in attempting to reduce his involvement on Monday.

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