Sunderland are back to winning ways in the Premier League with an incredible comeback victory against Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light. They are currently sixth in the standings, and their results against Chelsea and Arsenal would boost their confidence ahead of facing Liverpool at Anfield.
The reigning champions are having a nightmare run in their own backyard with back-to-back home defeats versus Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven. A victory in East London against West Ham United saw them climb up to eighth; however, the Reds are still one point behind the Black Cats, who they will host on Wednesday night.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Sunderland Lineup To Face Liverpool
Defence
Sunderland have significantly bolstered the squad since scripting a top-flight return earlier this summer. Robin Roefs has been brought in as the new ‘number 1’ and the young Dutchman is enjoying his time between the sticks, replacing Anthony Patterson.
Regis Le Bris relied on Trai Hume down the right until the Cherries tie, when a change in formation cost the Northern Irishman his first-team status. Versatile Nordi Mukiele is expected to feature from the right; also, Reinildo, the other summer recruit, should keep his place on the left. Omar Alderete has made his presence known in deep defence, with Daniel Ballard being the only defender to retain his spot from last season’s starting lineup.
Leo Hjelde and Ajibola Alese remain injured, but the gaffer has ample alternatives, as the likes of Luke O’Nien, Timothee Pembele, Dennis Cirkin, Lutsharel Geertruida and Arthur Masuaku are waiting for their opportunities across the backline. Hume and Geertruida might get involved from the bench, having made sporadic appearances either from the bench or as second-half substitutes.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka has taken over the captainship from O’Nien following his high-profile summer transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. The former Arsenal midfield ace has been majestic in the middle of the park, and the flair and work ethic of young Noah Sadiki make a perfect blend of youth and experience in their ‘double pivot’ setup. Mouhamadou Habib Diarra is still a few weeks away from returning to action.
Le Bris predominantly deployed Enzo Le Fee from the left. But he shifted him in the ‘number 10’ role last weekend, which proved to be a masterstroke. The Frenchman maintained his composure from the spot to reduce the deficit, and eventually assisted Brian Brobbey for the winner midway through the second half. Bertrand Traore must operate from the right, having found the net against Bournemouth, but the manager should bring Romaine Mundle on the left, ahead of Chemsdine Talbi. The Moroccan has impressed with his dribbles and directness, but his lack of end product and decision-making led to wastefulness up top.
Attack
Wilson Isidor has been the preferred ‘number 9’ due to his successive goals early in the season. However, the Frenchman has struggled of late while spearheading the attack, and Brobbey’s exquisite form as a ‘super sub’ should now earn him a starting status.
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