Sunderland v Liverpool

Just three points separate the side as Sunderland host Liverpool. Sunderland are unbeaten at home, will this run continue?

Sunderland v Liverpool Stadium of Light 21:15 CET

Team News:

Sunderland are without skipper Xhaka, while Betrand Traore is missing also. New signing Jocelin Ta Bi is still sidelined.

Liverpool are running out of options at right back. With stand in Szobozlai now suspended and Gomez, Bradley and Frimpong injured it with be either Endo or Jones to fill in unless Slot turns to the youth set up.

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Formations:

Sunderland are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 at home, though they’ve adjusted their shape several times this season. They have shifted into a 4-4-2, like the setup that earned a 1-1 draw at Anfield, or into a 5-4-1, the system that helped them dominate Burnley in their last home match.

Liverpool are set to continue with their 4-2-3-1, a system that has produced mixed results. They were poor in the first half against City on Sunday but controlled long stretches of the second half once they adopted a more direct approach.

Statistics:

Referee: Chris Kavanagh (Average cards 3.66 Yellow 0.12 Red)

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Match Preview:

Just three points separate the sides, and Sunderland remain the only team unbeaten at home in the Premier League. Liverpool’s away form has been inconsistent, though recent performances suggest signs of improvement both individually and collectively. The Reds carry plenty of attacking threat but remain vulnerable defensively, with their passive shape at times leaving them exposed time after time.

Betting Preview:

Sunderland will have the backing of a passionate home crowd, much like Liverpool, who also thrive on fan support. Liverpool are not the same side that lifted the title last season, and with results faltering, Slot is under increasing pressure as their Champions League hopes fade. Liverpool sit four points behind Chelsea and do not appear to be performing at the same level as the teams above them. A both‑teams‑to‑score outcome or a draw at attractive odds looks worth considering.