Sunderland Vs Liverpool -
The Big Match Preview
By Steve Northover
Barely 72 hours after their galling and largely self-inflicted loss to Manchester City at Anfield, the Reds need to dust themselves off and make ready for the long journey to the North East of England, to this season's surprise package that is Sunderland.
Considered amongst the favourites to be relegated this season, Sunderland have defied expectations this season, with their early form pushing them as far as to challenge Arsenal to the summit. Whilst their form has leveled out somewhat with results against Spurs, Chelsea and in the reverse of this fixture at Anfield in December, Sunderland remain the club that aren't just here for the ride.
For Liverpool, Sunday's loss to Man City is part of a wider characteristic of their season, where once again, despite being good for their lead, the Reds never let their dominance sustain and let their opponent take their opportunities.
Liverpool arguably weren't helped by some questionable decisions by the referee but that's a debate for any other day and does nothing to change the narrative. Even though Liverpool may only be four points from fifth and five from Manchester United in fourth, their season is well and over before even March.
So even before a ball is kicked at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool are playing for some semblance of pride, and the blind hope that form truly is temporary.
Team News
Sunderland's most eye-catching absence will be Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is ruled out with an ankle injury. The former Arsenal captain had been at the very beating heart of the team's Premier League resurgence until being felled at the end of January. He joins Jocelin Ta Bi and Bertrand Isidore Traore as Sunderland's only missing players. However, the loss of such an important player will likely have an effect on their form going forward.
For Liverpool things are as they have been for a few weeks, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak are all definitely out. Dominik Szoboszlai also misses out after a straight red for a last-ditch foul against Manchester City's Erling Haaland at the weekend. With Szoboszlai out, Liverpool are now even weaker at right back, with only Ryan Gravenberch the likely player to be moved into position, at least for next game.