Two defeats in a row following a draw have made Liverpool’s impressive start to the season seem… less impressive. Three points at Sunderland on Sunday are strongly recommended.
Sunday, 29th September 2013; 4pm kick-off
Premier League
Stadium of Light
Liverpool’s exciting start to the new season has slowed down in recent weeks, having not won since the start of September – nearly a month.
A draw at Swansea City was followed by defeats at home to Southampton and away to Manchester United in the League Cup, leaving the Reds fifth, and slowing down on form.
Second half performances have been few and far between for Brendan Rodgers‘ men this campaign, with no late goals, except for an extra-time double against Notts County in the second round of the League Cup.
They go into Sunday’s game at Sunderland looking for a win to revive their season before it all goes downhill. Going into this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Liverpool are just two points off top spot.
The opposition
Sunderland have had a turbulent week, following the surprise sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio after just five games of the season.
But the Black Cats will see the Liverpool game as the start of a new era – a Di Canio-less era, despite no successor being formally appointed yet.
Sunderland have Liverpool striker Fabio Borini on-loan on their books, however the Italian is illegible to play under Premier League rules.
In recent years this fixture has thrown up the infamous beach ball incident, whilst this game last year finished 1-1 in September 2012. Luis Suarez getting the Reds’ goal.
It’s 10/1 for for history to repeat itself with a 1-1 draw this time round.
Team news
Liverpool continue to have doubts over the availability of Daniel Agger, with the Danish international’s “freak” gym accident two weeks ago still causing him breathing difficulty.
Glen Johnson, Philippe Coutinho and Aly Cissokho are all ruled out with different knocks, but Luis Suarez is eligible to start his first Premier League game since April.
Goalkepeer Simon Mignolet will be making his first return to the Stadium of Light since swapping the North East for Merseyside in the summer. Expect a warm reception for the Belgian international from the Mackems.
Let us know your predicted line-up on Twitter @thisisanfield .
Top Betting Tip
Luis Suarez looked slightly rusty on Wednesday night on Wednesday night, but not far off his best. We expect a goal from the Uruguayan to announce his return to the league properly. A Luis Suarez goal and 1-0 Liverpool win is a tasty 2/1 today.
TV coverage
The match is live on Sky Sports at 4pm and there are match highlights on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One from 10.25pm.
petikan dari Liverpool FC, This is Anfield, Teamtalk
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