Liverpool’s Redemption Begins at Anfield
Liverpool can continue their quest for redemption with a crucial home match against Sunderland at Anfield tonight. The past few months have been a nightmare for Arne Slot’s team, who are struggling to defend their Premier League title despite a recent victory against West Ham, where Alexander Isak netted his first league goal. The Merseyside giants are under immense pressure, but a win against Sunderland could be the spark they need to ignite their season.
Sunderland’s Resilient Form
Sunderland, on the other hand, heads to Merseyside on a high after a thrilling 3-2 win against AFC Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light, despite being 2-0 down early on. The Black Cats, who secured promotion via the Championship play-offs last season, are currently in the top four, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Manager Regis Le Bris has shown tactical acumen, previously securing a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October. This form makes them a formidable opponent for Liverpool, despite the home advantage.
Historical Context: Liverpool vs. Sunderland
The historical context of this matchup adds another layer of intrigue. The most recent clash between these two sides dates back to January 2017, when they shared a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland eventually facing relegation that season. Liverpool, however, has not lost to Sunderland in the last 10 meetings, with the last Black Cats win coming in March 2012. Overall, the two teams have faced each other 170 times, with Liverpool winning 79 matches and Sunderland claiming 52 victories. This history suggests that Liverpool has the upper hand, but recent form and the quality of Sunderland’s play cannot be overlooked.
Recent Form and Key Players
Liverpool’s recent form has been mixed, with notable losses to PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest, and a narrow 1-0 win against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The return of Alexander Isak and the growing form of Florian Wirtz could be crucial for the Reds. Isak’s goal against West Ham was a significant morale booster, and Wirtz’s creative play could provide the spark needed to revive Liverpool’s attack. On the other hand, Sunderland’s form has been impressive, with wins against Fulham and Chelsea, and a goalless draw against Arsenal. Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey, both recent signings, have already made an impact, scoring in their last match. Their counter-attacking style could pose a significant threat to Liverpool.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
For Liverpool, Alexander Isak, who was a doubt for the West Ham match, is expected to start again after his goal-scoring performance. Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the starting lineup against West Ham, might find himself on the bench once more. Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined, with Bradley potentially returning for the Leeds United match. Sunderland, meanwhile, avoided any suspensions or injuries in their last game. Bertrand Traore and Brian Brobbey, who scored in the win against Bournemouth, are likely to start. Club-record signing Habib Diarra and defender Aji Alese are out due to injury.
Betting Odds and Match Prediction
Despite Sunderland’s strong form, it’s difficult to back them for an upset at Anfield. Liverpool, even in their current state, have the historical advantage and the home crowd to boost their chances. However, Sunderland’s counter-attacking style and recent form make them a dangerous opponent. We predict a closely contested match with goals at both ends. Our final score prediction is a 2-2 draw, offering odds of 20/1 with Bet365. For those looking to build a bet, our bet builder includes both teams to score, Bertrand Traore to have a shot on target, Florian Wirtz to have a shot on target, and over 4.5 cards in the match, with overall odds of more than 9/1 on Paddy Power.
This match promises to be an entertaining and crucial encounter for both teams, with high stakes and a passionate crowd. Whether Liverpool can reclaim their form or Sunderland can continue their impressive run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it will be a night to remember at Anfield.
