Liverpool’s run of four straight wins came to an end at the weekend when they could only manage a draw against Southampton. That saw them drop off top spot in the Premier League, but they have a good chance of regaining first place, as league leaders Chelsea host Tottenham this weekend. Naijabet.com
Sunderland have won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since May and did so in convincing fashion after putting three past Hull last time out. Their second win of the season moved them off the bottom of the table and they are now just three points adrift of safety.
Liverpool fans will be expecting a win on Saturday but games between these two sides have been tight affairs in recent years. Sunderland haven’t won any of their last five against Liverpool, but they did manage two draws in that time and the three defeats were only by a single goal. A Liverpool victory by a one-goal margin could be on the cards once more.
Team News
Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho recovered from a hamstring scare to play the full game against Southampton last time out.
Adam Lallana missed a reunion with his boyhood club after picking up a groin injury during the international break and is also set to miss Saturday’s match against Sunderland.
Danny Ings, Sheyi Ojo and Joe Gomez are all still unavailable, while Mamdou Sakho’s future seems to be away from the club, potentially at Sunderland.
Sunderland – Sunderland picked up their biggest league win since May when they beat Hull 3-0 last time out but it came at a cost as Papy Djilobodji was sent off in the dying embers. He is suspended for this match. John O’Shea should deputise in his absence.
David Moyes, however, is boosted by the potential return of Jan Kirchhoff and Sebastian Larsson, who stepped up their return to first-team action for the development squad in the week. The Black Cats can also welcome back Steven Pienaar, who missed their win over Hull through suspension.
There is some doubt over Jason Denayer’s availability after he picked up a hamstring niggle in their win over Hull. This could see Didier Ndong move back from his surprise advanced position against the Tigers in front of the back four.
Lee Cattermole is sidelined for four months following hip surgery, while Fabio Borini is also ruled out. Jack Rodwell, Vito Mannone are also doubts ahead of Saturday’s trip to Anfield. Paddy McNair’s season looks to be over with cruciate knee ligament damage.
Match Facts
Liverpool are undefeated in their last 14 home matches against Sunderland in all competitions.
Liverpool are undefeated in their last 13 home matches in Premier League.
Liverpool have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 7 home Premier League matches.
Liverpool have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 home matches (Premier League).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Sunderland’s last 3 games in Premier League.
As at this post has Liverpool 1.12 odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Sunderland has 18.08 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 8.09.