Liverpool are back in action this weekend after the painful loss they faced on their trip to the King Power stadium on Tuesday. Sunderland, who are struggling in the relegation zone are badly in need of some positive results and this game against a Liverpool team that are low in confidence provides a chance to cover some ground at the bottom of the table. Jurgen Klopp’s side, 11 point away from a top 4 spot need nothing less than a victory to keep their hopes of European football alive but it looks like Klopp will turn his attention to other cup competitions and try out different things in the league.
Allardyce’s team played a great game against Manchester City last time around but was unlucky to not take even a point from the game. They will have to do better against Liverpool if they are to keep their hopes of staying in the top flight next season alive.
Here is the Preview of the game along with the Team News, Expected line-ups, Predictions and Betting Odds.
The Liverpool vs Sunderland game will be played on Saturday the 6th of February at the Anfield in Liverpool. The kick-off is scheduled at 3:00 pm BST (8:30 pm IST).
Team News:
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Sturridge, Coutinho and Origi are back in training but this game will come to quick for them as none of them will be available. Defender Martin Skrtel suffered a new set back and will be out for another couple of weeks. Apart from that, no new injuries were suffered as Liverpool will look to play a similar squad at Anfield.
Sam Allardyce has a number of concerns with Yann M’Villa and Jeremain Lens both facing late fitness tests after picking up injuries in the game against Manchester City. Though Allardyce is not expected to make too many changes, Khazri might be given a full debut in this game against Liverpool.
Expected Line-ups:
Liverpool:
Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Can, Lucas, Henderson; Milner, Firmino, Lallana
Sunderland:
Mannone; Jones, Kone, O’Shea, Van Aanholt; Khazri, M’Vila, Kirchhoff, Cattermole, Borini; Defoe
Key Battles:
Defoe vs Lovren:
Lovren showed some nerves against the pace of Jamie Vardy and he will have more of the same to deal with when Liverpool face Sunderland on Saturday. Jermain Defoe is fairly quick across the turf and will surely cause plenty of problems for the Liverpool defense. Lovren should do better than he did against Vardy if Liverpool are to keep the visitors quite.
Firmino vs O’Shea:
Though he was not great against Leicester, Firmino is the inform player for Liverpool up front and will have to find some goals for his side if they are to entertain a chance of European football next season. However, he will be up against John O’Shea who is an experienced defender and will not give him too much of space to work with. This is one of the most intriguing battles in this game.
Key Stats:
Liverpool are un-beaten in the last 7 meetings between the two sides (W5 D2)
Sunderland last won a game at Anfield way back in 1983
Liverpool have gone over 5 hours of football in all competitions without a goal.
James Milner has scored five Premier League goals against Sunderland, more than versus any other opponent in the competition.
Liverpool have won twice as many Premier League away games under Klopp (4) as they have home games (2).
Sunderland have scored in each of their last seven Premier League away games, their best run in the competition since April 2013.
Betting Odds:
Liverpool: 4/9
Draw: 7/2
Sunderland: 8/1
Predictions:
The Liverpool supporters are planning to stage a walk out in the 77 minute of the game due to the increase in ticket prices for the next season and the atmosphere in the ground might not help the Reds in this game. Sunderland will hope to take advantage of this situation but if Liverpool are able to score first, it will be a long night irrespective of the crowd in the stadium.
Our Prediction:
Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland