Liverpool v Sunderland: A Pre-Match Analysis

Liverpool play host to Sunderland at Anfield tonight in what will be our first game of the new year. With both teams hungry for a consistent run of good form, the match lines up to be an interesting watch.

With Liverpool missing an injured Jose Enrique, the  prospect of seeing Stewart Downing filling in at left-back is a strong possibility. Don’t be surprised however, to see Glen Johnson lining up at left-back , going toe-to-toe with his namesake Adam Johnson. This would not be a bad idea either, with Adam Johnson regularly cutting inside on his stronger foot, Glen Johnson would be well equipped to deal with any attacking threat.

Sunderland will be without their defensive talisman John O’Shea who has had a fine season so far for the Black Cats. Lee Cattermole is also a doubt.

Statistical Analysis

Both teams have met 161 times in the past, Liverpool winning 73 of those games.

Liverpool have only managed to record back-to-back wins once this season in the Barclays Premier League (Southampton and West Ham) and are still looking to improve on their consistency.

Suarez has scored three goals against the Wearside club in the last four meetings.

Possible Starting Line-ups

Liverpool

Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Downing, Lucas, Henderson, Gerrard, Suso, Sterling and Suarez.

Sunderland

Mignolet, Gardner, Cuellar, Bramble,  Rose; McClean, Larsson, Colback, Johnson; Sessegnon and Fletcher.

Key man for Liverpool: Luis Suarez  

Goalscorer, creator and genius. Suarez is arguably one of the most complete strikers in the Premier League.

Key Man for Sunderland: Simon Mignolet

Simon Mignolet has been in excellent form this season, helping Sunderland concede far less goals than they should have. The Belgian is up there with the best keepers in the league.

Predicted Scoreline: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland.

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