Sunderland vs Liverpool: Preview, Predictions, Expected Lineups And Betting Odds
Jan 2, 2017 at 10:04 AM
David Moyes’ Sunderland fell to an embarrassing defeat in the hands of Burnley in the previous round of the competition and they are now facing their toughest task in the first game of the New Year. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool finished 2016 with a bang, taking all three points from their game against Manchester City at Anfield and they will now travel to Sunderland for their first game of the second half of the season. The Reds are 6 points off Chelsea at the top of the table and will hope to keep up the pressure with a victory in this game and though it is their second game in less than 48 hours, Klopp is expected to play a strong side for this game. Here is the preview of this game, along with the team news, predicted lineups, predictions and betting odds:
The league game between Sunderland and Liverpool will be played on Monday, the 2nd of January, at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. The kickoff is scheduled at 5:00 pm BST (8:30 pm IST)
Team News:
David Moyes will be without the services of Lee Cattermole, Jordan Pickford, Duncan Watmore, , Jan Kirchoff and Lynden Gooch for this game against Liverpool. Billy Jones is suspended for this game but the likes of Lamine Kone, Javier Manquillo and Jason Denayer are all expected to be back in action.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Mannone; Manquillo, Kone, Djolobodji, Van Aanholt; Larsson, O’ Shea, Pienaar; Anichebe, Defoe, Borni
The manager revealed that both Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip are out of contention for a place in this game. They are joined by skipper Jordan Henderson, who will now miss this game and probably the next cup game, after picking up an injury in the match against City. Danny Ings remains sidelined and is the only other injury problem for the Reds.
Expected Lineup (4-3-3):
Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Firmino, Sturridge
Key Battles:
Jermaine Defoe vs Ragnar Klavan:
After an impressive outing against Sergio Aguero, Klavan, will now face a tricky test against a prolific Jermaine Defoe who can hurt the visitors anytime in the game. The Liverpool man should be on his heels and keep Defoe away from goal for his side to take all three points from this game.
Sadio Mane vs Patrick Van Aanholt:
Arguably the most consistent defender for Sunderland, Aanholt, will have one of the biggest tests of his season as he will face an inform Sadio Mane who will look to have an impact on the last few games before he jets off to AFCON. Both players have enough pace to burn and will be busy in a clash that can decide the outcome of the game.
Key Stats:
Both teams have played 138 matches against each other in all the competitions. Sunderland has registered 41 wins, 31 draws and 66 defeats against Liverpool. Liverpool has scored 235 goals against Sunderland and concedes 193 goals against them.
Liverpool registered a 2-0 home win against Sunderland in their last meetings in the match of English Premier League on 26th Nov, 2016.
Liverpool have won both of the last 2 visits on Light Stadium. Moreover, they just got 4 consecutive wins recently. So we believe Liverpool to add another win in this trip.
Christian Benteke, who has left the club this season, scored the the goals that gave Liverpool 3 points from the corresponding fixture from the previous season.
Betting Odds:
Sunderland: 10/1
Draw: 9/2
Liverpool: 1/3
Predictions:
Liverpool have now won each of their last 4 Premier League games, keeping 3 clean sheets on their way and are looking genuine title contenders at the moment. Sunderland, who are faltering in the drop zone, will hope to take advantage of the home conditions but in current form, this should be a game that Liverpool should win comfortably.
Our Prediction: Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool