Leeds travel to Liverpool on Sunday with a new temporary manager, Peter Reid, and still needing points to stay in the Premiership. Houllier's Reds are smarting from their UEFA Cup exit against Celtic and need three points to get closer to a Champions League spot. It is no time for faint hearts and that is why this is TheFA.com match-up of the weekend

DANNY MILLS (Defender, Leeds United) v JAMIE CARRAGHER (Defender, Liverpool)

KNOWN FOR...

Mills: Taking no prisoners, replacing Gary Neville at World Cup, Confusing refs with physical similarity to Seth Johnson

Carragher: Broad Liverpudlian accent, versatility, commitment

HIGH

Mills: Played every game at last summer's World Cup for England
Carragher: Captaining Liverpool in Champions League in the absence of Sami Hyypia

LOW

Mills: His block set up Steve Kabba for Sheffield United's FA Cup winner against Leeds two weeks ago

Carragher: Threw a coin back into Highbury crowd during last season's FA Cup defeat against Arsenal

CURRENT FORM

Mills: One of Leeds United's most consistent players, his long-range thunderbolt against Bolton at the start of the year was seen by many as the turning point in a dismal season at Elland Road. However, it proved to give the clubs only temporary respite and Mills was part of the Leeds team knocked out of The FA Cup at Sheffield United earlier this month that ultimately cost Terry Venables his job. Peter Reid will count on Mills in the last eight games of the season.

Carragher: Mr Play Anywhere is currently performing at right-back for Liverpool and it has been an up and down time for everyone at Anfield. Helped them win the Worthington Cup against Manchester United three weeks ago but was part of the disappointing defeat against Celtic on Thursday night. Carragher is a stout defender but has been criticised for not going forward enough.

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES

Mills: "I am calmer now. My sending-off against Newcastle last season made me sit up and think of my future"

Carragher: "It is hard for some of the foreign lads to understand my Scouse accent, depending on how fast I speak."


HISTORY

Mills: Started his career at Newcastle and it was his form at Charlton, where he won England under-21s caps, that persuaded David O'Leary to make Mills his third signing for the club - paying an estimated £4million. Took a while to win over the Leeds fans and become first choice ahead of Gary Kelly. But they quickly appreciated Mills always gave 100 per cent and was also able to fill in at the centre of defence when needed. Mills' aggression made many think he was too risky for international football and there was widespread criticism when he kicked Craig Bellamy off the ball last season and was sent off. However, Gary Neville's metatarsal injury left a World Cup vacancy at right-back and Mills grabbed the opportunity with both hands, impressing critics with his steady performances after a costly mistake in the opening game against Sweden. Agreed a new five-year contract with Leeds in December but the club's continuing financial problems mean he may be sold as one of their most valuable assets in the summer. Was involved in an amusing incident this season when referee Steve Bennett tried to send him off at Sheffield United, when the official had actually earlier booked bald look-alike Seth Johnson - not Mills himself.

Carragher: A local lad, Carragher joined his hometown club as a schoolboy and helped Liverpool win The FA Youth Cup in 1996, turning professional in October of that year and making his debut in that season's Coca-Cola Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough. He scored at The Kop end on his Premiership debut against Aston Villa but it was his whole-hearted defending that earned him rave reviews, as well as his ability to play anywhere in defence. Carragher was England under-21 skipper and make his full debut in 1999 against Hungary. Carragher has filled in at right-back for Liverpool following the illness to Markus Babbel. Already has four major cup winners medals in his collection.

COMPARISON

"Danny always gives teams a lot going forward" Former Leeds manager David O'Leary

"Jamie has the serious side on the pitch and the fun side off it. He is the biggest joker at the club," Liverpool team-mate Danny Murphy

Compiled by Joe Bernstein

Liverpool play Leeds in the Premiership at Anfield on Sunday March 23