Key Battles

Gerrard: Hoping for a win in Almaty

England were given a tough 45 minutes when they defeated Kazakhstan earlier in the season and face them again in Almaty this weekend.

Here skysports.com looks at the key battles in the World Cup qualifier.

JOHN TERRY v SERGEY OSTAPENKO

Terry, England's captain, will be the cornerstone of a defence missing centre-back Rio Ferdinand and goalkeeper David James. The 28-year-old is on a high after lifting the FA Cup at the weekend and will be expecting another win. Ostapenko could be the player Kazakhstan look to when they attack. He plays in his own country now but did have a spell with Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

STEVEN GERRARD v ZHAMBYL KUKEYEV

Gerrard is in top form and was given the player-of-the-year award by the Football Writers' Association. In his last few England games he and Wayne Rooney have been sharing duties on the left flank and as a support striker, interchanging mid-match - and the results have been encouraging. Kukeyev shocked Wembley by scoring in the qualifier last October and will be hoping to get on the scoresheet again.

WAYNE ROONEY v ALEXANDR KISLITSYN

Rooney has never been in better form for England, netting seven goals in his last five appearances. The system with Gerrard is working and allows him the freedom to express himself. Now he is looking to get over his Champions League final disappointment. Kislitsyn, a defender, played at Wembley and is again expected to have his hands full with Rooney and Emile Heskey in attack.