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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher battle it out in pre-match race ahead of Aston Villa vs Everton

He wasn't known for his pace during his playing days, but Jamie Carragher can at least boast that he is quicker than his long-term rival Gary Neville.

The pair were at Villa Park on Friday night ahead of the Premier League encounter between winless Aston Villa and unbeaten Everton , which is being televised on Sky Sports.

And before the Sky Sports pundits appeared on live television to preview the Friday Night Football showdown, they opted to take part in their annual sprint race.

Running from one touchline to the other, this race was all about bragging rights between two players who were fierce rivals on the pitch during their playing days.

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher race (Twitter/SkySportsPL)
Neville got off to a better start but it was Carragher who triumphed (Twitter/SkySportsPL)

Perhaps surprisingly, Liverpool legend Carragher got the better of Manchester United icon Neville to ensure he was the one taking top spot.

And the former Reds centre-back made sure everyone knew of his exploits, posting various videos across his social media accounts ahead of kick-off.

They will now turn their attention to kick-off, and their fellow Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons there is not much to choose between Villa and the Toffees.

Writing for Sky Sports , he said: "Villa have been OK. They had a good 60 minutes or so against Tottenham and then a bit of an eye-opener against Bournemouth last weekend.

The rivals are now Sky Sports pundits (PA)
Carragher (L) of Liverpool argues with Neville of Manchester United in 2010 (Getty Images)

"They have spent a lot of money but the quality steps up in the Premier League.

"I think Jack Grealish is playing too deep. John McGinn seems to be catching the eye with his driving runs and energy but Grealish should be further up the pitch and a bit closer to him. I don't think Villa are too far away.

"Everton haven't really clicked into action yet. I don't think they are going to be amazing to watch but the improvement has definitely been defensively - Michael Keane has started the season well.

"Villa will think they need to get something on the board. I think it will be physical but not a high-scoring game."

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