Tomorrow’s match between two strikers who “terrify” defenders in very different ways will be intense as they aim to deal a serious blow to each other in the Premier League title fight.

Although both Darwin Nunez and Erling Haaland are excellent front men for their teams, there are a lot of distinctions between the two pony-tailed goal poachers. The match between Liverpool and Manchester City for the top spot may come down to two No. 9s on the pitch at Anfield.

The 23-year-old Haaland has scored 29 goals this season across all competitions, despite expectations that the Nordic goal machine would have a quieter campaign. Nunez, 24, has made 16 goals for the Reds so far this season, but his 12 goal total since the start of the season indicates that he is a very good player.

How do you go about stopping them? It’s no easy feat according to former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. “Nunez frightens defenders because he can get into his stride extremely quickly,” said Lawrenson, a five-time league winner with the Merseysiders.

“You need to give him half a yard but then the pitch is massive. Two or three steps and and he’s away from people.

“You’re on the edge of the seat when he gets the ball because you never know what he’s going to do. If he gets in front of you, he’s gone.

“But then there is the unpredictability. You don’t know which post or crossbar he will hit next!

“The way that football is now, you can spend an hour watching the players you’re going to play against but you do not know with him exactly what he’s going to do.”

Liverpool vs Manchester City will lock horns at the Etihad Stadium ( Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Nunez is an absolute mess; he’s not always clinical like other strikers, but that just heightens the tension. Haaland is ruthless, cool, and collected. Lawrenson notes that Nunez’s finishing is getting better, but the only striker to whom he can truly draw comparisons during his 1980s playing career is Gary Lineker.

“Lineker would be up there with that, Lineker was clever in that he would run offside for the first couple of passes in a game and he would do it just to see what you would do,” said the ex-Kop defender.

“He was very, very clever at that but Nunez is different though because he is all power and strength. When you are playing against him, you’re hoping nobody is going to get time on the ball in midfield to play him in because then it is a foot race and generally you will lose it.”

How does Haaland compare?

“I would suggest that Haaland doesn’t cover the amount of ground that Nunez does,” said Lawrenson. “Haaland plays the width of the box, he’s in the 18-yard box but that’s where all top goalscorers are. He’s better in the air, obviously.

“Haaland’s relationship with [Kevin] De Bruyne is something special though, they link up so well. He’s a brute and if he gets in front of you it is good night because of the strength.

“City are getting better playing with him, I know that sounds silly when he scored all those goals last year but they know him better now. He isn’t frightened to miss, either. It’s like a London bus and he knows another one will be along in a minute.”

After Manchester City’s second goal against Everton, Erling Haaland celebrates with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. (Photo courtesy of Danehouse/Getty Images/ James Gill)Despite Nunez’s explosive style and Haaland’s incredible numbers, you get the impression that neither team would trade their No. 9 for the other.

“The two teams have two different strikers which complement each other’s teams perfectly,” added Lawrenson. “It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.”