Liverpool will look to put behind a frustrating draw against Southampton when they welcome strugglers Sunderland to the Anfield Stadium. 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.
19th placed Sunderland at home and a goal hungry attacking side lying in wait. But Liverpool need to be well-prepared and focused nonetheless. No game in the premier League is a walkover and accordingly this won’t be one. Liverpool have already suffered a 2-0 reverse at Burnley and will not want to get back to their old ways. A fast start is the need of the hour which will ease any nerves which might be there.
While on the other had Sunderland are on a bit of a roll of their own winning two consecutive matches which incidentally are also their only two wins of the season. David Moyes would have loved to have an easier fixture for the good days to continue but has to come up with a masterplan to salvage at least a point from this game.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI VS SUNDERLAND (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Loris Karius will be in goal and he will look to add to his clean sheet tally and leave a mark on the game. The goalkeeping slot has been a subject of debate for the Reds and Karius will look to make that position his own with some solid displays. Clyne will be at right-back while Lovren and Matip will look to enhance their understanding and chemistry which is slowly developing. Milner will again be at left-back and will hope to be more involved in the opposition’s half for the most part of the match.
MIDFIELD
The absence of Lallana has been telling for Liverpool this season. They have failed to perform to their full potential when he has been missing and Wijnaldum will have to look to fill that gap in a more effective manner. Emre Can and Henderson will be the two other players alongside him.
ATTACK
The front three had a rare off day against Southampton and will be eager to put in another collective effort which has the potential to wreak havoc on Sunderland. With Coutinho on the left, Firmino in the centre and Mane on the right, it is a potential nightmare for the Sunderland defence.
