Subtle differences between the playing styles of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez allow the two to function as one of the most lethal partnerships in the Barclays Premier League, according to Aly Cissokho.

For the French full-back it's not so much a case of opposites attract - he insists there are minor differences between the approach play of the duo, who have hit 34 goals between them this season.

The SAS were reunited for Liverpool's 5-3 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last weekend, and it took them five minutes to resume an intuitive tandem.

Sturridge raced forward with the ball at his feet and assisted Suarez for a sumptuous strike, before notching himself after fine skill in the penalty area.

Cissokho told Liverpoolfc.com: "I think they are two players who really complement each other.

"Daniel likes to have the ball at his feet and to take players on, always trying to make things happen.

"Luis Suarez likes to get in behind the defence and in the area he can finish and score goals.

"They are strikers with different styles, and that's what you need, to be able to mix things up and really hurt your opponents."

Suarez has racked up an astonishing 22 goals in 16 Premier League games so far this season - that's nine more than the next most prolific striker in the division, Sergio Aguero.

The Uruguayan flew solo to devastating effect from November onwards in the absence of his strike partner, hitting 11 goals in eight matches.

Upon Sturridge's return, the pair's effective combination was rekindled almost immediately, proving too powerful for the Potters.

Cissokho is expecting a repeat against Aston Villa in Saturday's late kick-off, when Kopites will be hoping to see both names on the teamsheet for the first time since the 4-0 demolition of Fulham in November.

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"Of course we've already had Luis in top form for a while and banging in the goals," said the full-back.

"So with Daniel now coming back, it's a real bonus for us which will bring an extra freshness and variety to what we can do if we need to make changes or if we want to start with two up front.

"It's always positive to have someone like Daniel Sturridge who can make the difference in attack."