Liverpool entertain a resurgent Sunderland outfit on match-day 13 of the Premier League as they look to make up for lost ground following a draw against Southampton last time around.
Jurgen Klopp jokingly suggested that Sunderland were the favourites going into the Anfield tie having picked up more points than Liverpool on their last couple of outings. While it’s hard not to see the funny side of that comment, the boss’s statements also indicate how he isn’t letting the Black Cats’ league standing influence the Reds approach towards the game, suggesting that the preparation will be just as ruthless as ever.
Moreover, Liverpool’s disappointing draw 9 months ago at Anfield against Saturday’s opponents will serve as a notable reminder to Klopp’s men to not let things off the hook irrespective of form and quality. Things are looking bright for David Moyes at the Stadium of Light for the first time since he took the job in August and having notched two wins on the trot, a third consecutive win at Anfield would be a cherry atop the cake for the Scotsman, especially considering he was a former Everton and Manchester United boss.
Team News and Tactics
Liverpool FC
The big tactical question going into this game would be the involvement of Daniel Sturridge. The England international has been on the money for the national side and for Liverpool during the cup ties but has failed to secure as much game time in the league due to the superior performance of Roberto Firmino in the centre-forward role.
The 24-year-old is due a start after some impressive performances off the bench for the Reds in recent weeks and with speculation linking him away from the club in recent weeks, Klopp may offer the dynamic forward a run-out against Sunderland. The absence of Adam Lallana allows the German to experiment a bit with the line-up with Firmino potentially shifting to a role on the wings while Coutinho takes his place in a midfield three and Sturridge taking his designated role at the top.
However, with a game against Leeds United three days later in the League Cup, the forward may have to settle for a substitute appearance once more. Lallana is yet to recover from the groin injury he suffered with England during the international break and will not be involved against Sunderland on Saturday. Joe Gomez had his first piece of ninety minute action in over 12 months with the U-23 side in their 4-0 win against Burnley. However, it’s unlikely he will return to the first team fold anytime soon.
There are no further injury concerns plaguing the Merseyside giants going into Saturday’s clash as they look to lock the three points and keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the table when they entertain Tottenham Hotspur later on in the evening.
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Karius, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner; Can, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho.
Sunderland AFC
After a woeful start to the Premier League campaign, Sunderland have finally got their season up and running securing two wins on the trot against Bournemouth and Hull City to earn Moyes his first wins as Black Cats boss. Their recent spike in form is down to some superlative performances from Jermain Defoe and Victor Anichebe up in attack and the Reds will do best to try and keep the duo at bay.
Moyes hinted at parking the bus to shut out Liverpool’s attacking threat although given their defensive record it’s hard to see them keep the Reds’ murderous trio quiet for too long. Paddy McNair will miss the rest of the season for Sunderland after he suffered an ACL injury last week. The defender who completed a move from Manchester United during the summer featured in 12 games for the Black Cats before falling prey to the dreaded ligament injury.
Papy Djolobodji is suspended and could have John O’Shea deputise for him in his absence. Steven Pienaar is available for selection after serving his one-match ban. There are still doubts regarding the fitness levels of Jason Denayer, Jan Kirchhoff and Sebastien Larsson while Fabio Borini, Lee Cattermole and Jack Rodwell are set to remain on the sidelines.
Possible Starting XI (4-4-2) : Pickford; Jones, Kone, O’Shea, Van Aanholt; Denayer, N’Dong, Kirchhoff, Watmore; Defore, Anichebe.
Key Stats
- Liverpool have gone 10 league matches without defeat, winning seven and drawing three.
- Jurgen Klopp’s side have earned an unrivalled 52 points from 25 Premier League games since drawing with Sunderland at Anfield on 6 February.
- The Reds are the division’s leading scorers with 30 goals despite being held to a 0-0 draw last weekend, when they only managed two shots on target.
- Liverpool are currently unbeaten in 17 league games against Sunderland at Anfield (W8, D9), plus a League Cup victory. Their last home defeat in this fixture came in the top flight in October 1983 when Gary Rowell’s penalty was the only goal.
Player to watch out for
Liverpool FC: Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has come out trumps at home this season and with Saturday’s encounter staged at Anfield, one can expect the Senegalese to turn up with the goods with Klopp expecting nothing less than a victory in their bid to keep pace with the leaders. The 24-year-old has already scored 6 goals and assisted 6 others this season since completing his move from St.Mary’s in the summer.
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets:
1. Over 1.5 First Half Goals @ 2.00
2. Over 3.5 Cards @ 1.83
Prediction
Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland
The Black Cats will look to sit deep and attack the Reds on the counter but given how Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to create ample amount of goal-scoring chances against an organized Southampton defence talks, there is little Moyes’ men can do to stop a rampant Liverpool side. That said, they do have a couple of aces up their sleeve in the form of Anichebe and Defoe, both of whom are capable of inflicting serious damage on the Merseysiders.