In this preview, we see the Premier League mid-week action serve up a fascinating encounter at Anfield as defending champions Liverpool host high-flying Sunderland AFC. Arne Slot’s Reds have endured a turbulent spell recently, suffering three consecutive defeats before steadying the ship with a professional 2-0 victory over West Ham United. Anfield will demand a performance to match the occasion, especially with the team sitting in 8th place and looking to bridge the gap to the European spots.
Sunderland, currently enjoying a dream return to the top flight under Régis Le Bris, actually sit above Liverpool in the table in 6th place. The Black Cats have shown incredible resilience, highlighted by their chaotic 3-2 comeback win against Bournemouth last weekend. This match preview explores whether the visitors can exploit Liverpool’s fragile confidence or if the Anfield crowd will roar the Reds back to their dominant best.
Liverpool Vs Sunderland AFC Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Liverpool: W L L L W
The Reds snapped a worrying three-game losing streak (which included defeats to Nottingham Forest and Man City) with a solid 2-0 win away at West Ham. However, consistency remains an issue for Arne Slot’s men, who have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Sunderland AFC: W L D D W
The Black Cats are in excellent shape, unbeaten in their last four Premier League outings. They head into this fixture off the back of consecutive victories against Bournemouth (3-2) and Fulham (1-0), having previously held Arsenal and Everton to draws.
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Key Stats
- Sunderland’s Resilience: The Black Cats have gained more points from losing positions than almost any other side this season, evidenced by their comeback from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth last time out.
- Defensive Fragility at Anfield: Liverpool have lost their last two home Premier League matches (0-3 vs Nottingham Forest and 1-2 vs Man Utd), conceding five goals without reply in those fixtures.
- The Isak Factor: Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s marquee signing, finally broke his Premier League duck for the club in the win against West Ham and will be eager to score in consecutive games.
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland AFC
While Sunderland enter this game in better form and with higher confidence, Anfield under the lights is a different beast. We expect Liverpool to edge a tight contest. Arne Slot’s decision to bench Mohamed Salah against West Ham paid off tactically, and the pace of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo should trouble a Sunderland defense that has conceded in three consecutive away matches. Expect the visitors to score—likely through the in-form Wilson Isidor—but Liverpool’s individual quality should see them through.
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Liverpool Vs Sunderland AFC H2H
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with Sunderland across all competitions (7 wins, 3 draws).
- The last time these two met at Anfield was in 2016, where Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory.
- Sunderland have not kept a clean sheet against Liverpool in their last 14 encounters.
Pre-game Odds
- Liverpool Win: 1.39
- Draw: 5.20
- Sunderland AFC Win: 8.50
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Team News Liverpool
Arne Slot continues to navigate a tricky injury list. Full-back Jeremie Frimpong is out with a hamstring injury, while young defender Giovanni Leoni (ACL) is a long-term absentee. Conor Bradley is also missing with a muscle issue, which likely means Joe Gomez will continue at right-back. The big talking point is Mohamed Salah, who was benched for the West Ham game; rumors of a January exit are swirling, but he may return to the starting XI to provide experience. Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are expected to retain their places in attack.
Team News Sunderland AFC
Régis Le Bris has fewer injury concerns but faces some selection dilemmas. Leo Hjelde, Habib Diarra, and Aji Alese remain sidelined with injuries. Captain Granit Xhaka will anchor the midfield alongside Noah Sadiki. Top scorer Wilson Isidor (4 goals) is a guaranteed starter upfront, supported by the creative talents of Enzo Le Fée and Bertrand Traoré. Robin Roefs is expected to continue in goal ahead of Anthony Patterson.
Predicted Line-ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak.
Sunderland AFC (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Traoré, Le Fée, Talbi; Isidor.
Liverpool Vs Sunderland AFC Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Liverpool Win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Tip 3 – Both Teams To Score: Yes
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