Sunderland will be cursing their luck. The moment the nightmare of a season looked like having a turnaround, they are faced with the mind-numbingly haunting task of facing the highest scorers of this calendar year in their own backyard.
David Moyes would have made sure not to exhaust his limited quota of smiles after last weekend’s dominant 3-0 win over Hull City as the Scot would be knowing he has to conjure a number of those moments to have even an iota of a chance of surviving this unforgiving league.
Currently in the 19th position, courtesy of back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Hull City, the Black Cats will be looking for something really special in order to prevent this seemingly purple patch fade away. Anichebe’s form has been a sort of a bonus and with players slowly returning to the fold after unfortunate injury-induced absences, there is the slightest of chances that Sunderland can haul themselves off the relegation zone in the coming weeks.
But first things first, there will be a super enthusiastic manager and his supremely talented and equally brilliant wards to fend off this weekend before Moyes can harbour any hopes of his resurrection gaining a concrete shape.
PREDICTED SUNDERLAND XI VS LIVERPOOL (4-3-2-1)
DEFENCE
Jordan Pickford might keep his place although Mannone is back with the team. A match at Anfield might not be the best circumstance to make a comeback and Pickford has shown enough which makes the decision feasible. Billy Jones seems to have taken his chance well and will be at right-back. But there will be an enforced shuffle at centre-back with Djilobodji suspended for the daunting match against Liverpool.
John O’Shea is expected to come in and will be partnered by Lamine Kone. Patrick Van Aanholt will have to contend with the pace of Clyne and Mane from his left-back spot.
