Liverpool will look to put behind a frustrating draw against Southampton when they welcome strugglers Sunderland to Anfield. Liverpool have been on a roll this season, with their high-intensity attacking football being perfectly showcased by the players. Although a win was expected against the Saints, there will not be too much introspection going on regarding that match. They have a chance to get back into the groove and the opportunity is a huge one.
Sunderland, on the other hand, will see this as an opportunity to cause the biggest upset of the season so far. They have had a torrid time till now if we discount the last two matches and after their first two wins of the season on the bounce, a match against Liverpool was the last thing they needed. But with Defoe and an in-form Anichebe up top, they will look to unnerve the Liverpool defence when they get an opportunity on the break. They must be compact and organised as even one false move is enough for the likes of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane.
This will be one of their biggest test of the season but Sunderland will not have much to lose and a lot to gain, which always spells trouble for the opposition.
TEAM NEWS
LIVERPOOL
Danny Ings is a long-term absentee while Lallana is unlikely to feature with a groin issue.
SUNDERLAND
David Moyes was dealt a huge blow following the news that Paddy McNair will miss the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury. Jack Rodwell (hamstring) is a doubt, while Lee Cattermole (hip) and Fabio Borini (groin) remain out for the Black Cats. Jan Kirchhoff is back with the team but the match is likely to be too early for him.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho
SUNDERLAND (4-3-3)
Pickford; Jones, O’Shea, Kone, Aanholt; Ndong, Denayer, Pienaar; Watmore, Borini, Anichebe
KEY MEN
LIVERPOOL
PHILLIPE COUTINHO
The Brazilian has been sublime this season and his amazing displays have led him to be linked with Barcelona. But focusing on this season, he has been the lynch-pin for Liverpool’s attacks. He has been brilliant from distance, he has been brilliant in the link-up play and has been brilliant from close range as well. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a beleaguered Sunderland back-line.
SUNDERLAND
JERMAIN DEFOE
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has been excellent for Sunderland this season. The lack of support from the rest of the team has led to his performances mainly coming in losing causes but it is expected that with the likes of Anichebe coming back and Borini on his way, Defoe might exert his influence even more.
BETTING ODDS
LIVERPOOL- 1/6
DRAW- 15/2
SUNDERLAND- 18/1
