The first half of the season Sunderland had this time out was no different to their last few seasons. History suggests that Sunderland can still come up with a second-half fightback to save their season. The first game of the New Year 2017 sees Sunderland take on high-flying Liverpool at the Stadium of Light. The Reds will be major favourites for the game but Moyes has an opportunity to start the New Year with renewed belief.
The reverse fixture ended in 2-0 win for Liverpool. Sunderland held them for as long as 75 minutes by ‘parking a double-decker bus’ but could not contain Liverpool in the end.
The Black Cats are on the back of 4-1 thumping at the hands of Burnley this Saturday and if they cannot improve their defensive game, Liverpool will run away with it.
This should be busy January for Sunderland in the transfer market and the Black Cats have a big job on their hands. An upset against Liverpool could be the start of their resurrection. Here is the predicted Sunderland lineup against the Reds.
Predicted 4-3-1-2 Sunderland Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
Jordan Pickford will be a big miss for the Black Cats. The custodian has had a brilliant season and is already being tipped for bigger things in the future. In his absence, Vito Mannone is likely to guard the goal.
The defenders had a terrible outing against Burnley on Saturday and must pick up their game in order to stand a chance against Liverpool.
Lamine Kone and Papy Djilobodji are likely to start at the heart if the defence while Patrick van Aanholt and Donald Love are likely to play as the full-backs.
