It’s been a turbulent season so far for Liverpool and drama has been close behind them at every turn since the first ball was kicked against Bournemouth in August. After a sequence of last-minute winners at the start of the season, including massive victories at home to Arsenal and away at Newcastle, Liverpool’s form suddenly plummeted and they have since been on a truly torrid run, especially by their own lofty standards. With just three wins in their last nine in the Premier League games, coupled with a 4-1 thrashing at home to PSV in Europe, manager Arne Slot is under more pressure than any other manager in the league currently and will be desperately hoping his side can continue the strong performance against West Ham into what will be a tricky midweek clash.
Visitors Sunderland have been the surprise package of the season. Régis Le Bris’ side currently sit sixth in the table following a monstrous comeback against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Black Cats found themselves two goals down inside the opening 20 minutes yet rallied back to win 3-2, further establishing their topflight credentials. With only three defeats all season, Sunderland will be a stern test for Liverpool.
They are goal-shy away from home, though. A record of only three strikes on the road this season is second worst in the Premier League. It’s a similar story at the other end, though, with only three sides having conceded fewer than their six away goals. In short: when Sunderland come to town, you can expect a tight affair.
Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak netted his first goal for Liverpool in the league against West Ham and Slot may deploy the Swede yet again to capitalise on his first goal and gain some form ahead of the notoriously busy Christmas schedule. Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo were also lauded for their strong performances at the weekend and it’s likely they’ll also be deployed again in similar roles. Milos Kerkez and Joe Gomez may vacate their roles with the latter likely not ready for two starts in such quick succession.
As for Sunderland, record signing Habib Diarra may still be too far away from fitness to make the bench, with the Tyne-Wear Derby pinned for his return. Striker Brian Brobbey scored the winner at the weekend which has taken his tally to three goal contributions in his last five league games, putting him in firm contention for a start at Anfield.
Predicted line-ups
SUN: Roefs; Mukiele, Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Traoré, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Isidor
LIV: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak