LIVERPOOL will have to match Bolton’s physical presence to impose themselves on a game where both sides are in desperate need of the three points.

Gary Megson’s side created plenty of chances despite losing at Blackburn in their last league game.

Defence

JUSSI JAASKELAINEN is in his 10th season and has played more than 350 games.

One of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League, he is an excellent shot stopper. Was voted both the fans’ and the players’ player of the year last year which shows the respect he is held in.

If ever there was a story to illustrate the dedication and commitment required to reach the top of your sport, then Gretar Rafn Steinsson leads the way.

He spent three years living in a garage while chasing his footballing dream in Holland. He played against Everton in this year’s UEFA Cup before joining Bolton.

He can play anywhere down the right, even being used as a winger by Iceland.

Ricardo Gardner is another long-serving Bolton player who was converted from a winger to a full-back by Sam Allardyce. The Jamaican is quick, pushes forward and delivers good ball from wide areas.

Republic of Ireland international Andy O’Brien adds further experience, is good in the air and likes to put his tackles in.

His know-how will be important alongside Gary Cahill, who found his first team opportunities at Aston Villa limited, leading to a £5million move north.

He has plenty of pace, shows good quality on the ball and has popped up with useful goals throughout his career.

Midfield

IVAN CAMPO has the job of breaking up attacks in front of the back four.

He will then look to get Bolton on the attack with his range of short and long passes. He lacks pace these days and sometimes requires an extra touch to get the ball under control, so Liverpool can put him under pressure.

Matt Taylor is a proven Premier League player who will get involved up and down the left-hand side. He is capable of scoring spectacular goals as Everton will testify.

Kevin Nolan provides the driving force in midfield with an excellent goal ratio for a midfielder. He is a dynamic presence for Bolton, and his consistency should have been rewarded with a full England appearance.

Attack

KEVIN DAVIES has been an integral part of the Bolton game plan since he joined in 2003.

He is a big, strong, aggressive player who can fill the lone strike role or play wide out on the right. He works hard, holds the ball up well and is always a danger at set-pieces. He will look to make his mark coming in at the far post.

El-Hadji Diouf was signed by Liverpool following the 2002 World Cup for £11m, but with a lot expected of him, never fulfilled his full potential.

He remains a frustrating player who can create and score goals just as freely as he can get caught up in a spat with the opposition. Doubts persist over his temperament, but the twice African player of the year cannot be ignored.

Dangerman

EL-HADJI DIOUF – will always have a point to prove to Liverpool.

Overall verdict

AFTER their defeat to Blackburn last week, Bolton will want to put things right quickly, but Liverpool will want the three points just as badly. They will need to match the aggression of their opponents to take anything from the game.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON