Liverpool were many people’s ideas of title winners after running Manchester United so close last season but they look anything but at the moment and have already lost more games than they did in the entire 2008/9 campaign. It doesn’t get any easier for Rafa Bentitez’s side, either, as they face a Sunderland side buoyant after only narrowly failing to pull off a shock victory at United a fortnight ago.

Quick Check

Sunderland

  • Darren Bent’s amazing run continues with the striker scoring nine goals in his last ten Premier League starts.
  • Kenwyne Jones could start despite playing for Trinidad and Tobago in midweek.
  • Midfielder Lee Cattermole is battling to overcome a persistent heel injury.
  • George McCartney is a doubt with a foot problem.
  • The Black Cats have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven games.
  • Sunderland have lost five of their last nine matches at the Stadium of Light.
  • Steve Bruce’s team have failed to score in their last six meetings with Liverpool.

Liverpool

  • Javier Mascherano is hoping to return in midfield after missing the defeat at Chelsea with muscle fatigue.
  • Daniel Agger could be recalled in defence after a back problem.
  • Fernando Torres has scored eight goals in his last eight games.
  • Rafa Benitez‘s side have won their last six matches against Sunderland.
  • The Reds have only lost once in 16 Premier League encounters against the Black Cats.
  • Key players Steven Gerrard and Torres face late fitness tests after missing training on Thursday.
  • Defender Sotiris Kyrgiakos is facing a lengthy lay-off with a knee problem.
  • Liverpool’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea was their third defeat of the season - more than they suffered in the entire 2008/9 campaign.

Expert Advice

As good as Liverpool have been in some matches this season, they have been well below par in others and they have saved their best form for home games so far. Coupled with the fact that pivotal players Gerrard and Torres are both struggling for full fitness and it’s easy to see another shock on the cards at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have been inconsistent this campaign but their strikers are a handful for anyone. With this in mind, we prefer to look at markets other than a correct result and Betsson’s price of 3.05 for there to be over 3.5 goals appears a sound bet.

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