In the last Premier League game of the previous year, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to sneak in a nervous victory over the fellow title rivals Manchester City as a lone goal from Georginio Wijnaldum, early in the game, was enough to seal the visitor’s fate on the night. This win kept Liverpool within touching distance of Chelsea at the top of the table but they will have to continue winning if they are keep up the pressure on the Blues from the capital city. The Reds now face a tricky trip to the Stadium of Light today as David Moyes’s side will look to frustrate a free-flowing side that has its own weaknesses. Klopp is expected to go for the kill and will go with his strongest side just 44 hours after the victory over the Citizens. Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Team News:
The manager revealed that both Philippe Coutinho and Joel Matip are out of contention for a place in this game. They are joined by skipper Jordan Henderson, who will now miss this game and probably the next cup game, after picking up an injury in the match against City. Danny Ings remains sidelined and is the only other injury problem for the Reds.
Formation (4-3-3):
Simon Mignolet:
With yet another clean sheet in the previous game, Mignolet is now an established keeper for Liverpool and is the first choice for Klopp this season.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The English full-back had a busy game against City and will hope to have a simpler game against Sunderland this week.
Dejan Lovren:
The senior defender in the ranks with Matip absent, Lovren has been decent in the last few games and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Ragnar Klavan:
The Estonia defender has been unplayable at times this season and he will hope to have a similar game this week against Sunderland.
James Milner:
The first choice fullback for Liverpool, Milner has also been exceptional this season and should start this game for Liverpool.
Emre Can:
The German midfielder was decent in the last game over City and he will have to play a similar role away from home at the Stadium of Light.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The match winner for Liverpool in the previous game, Wijnaldum will be full of confidence and will hope to have a similar game against the Black Cats.
Adam Lallana:
The most effective midfielder in Europe at the moment, Lallana has been in sublime form for the Reds recently and should keep his place in the side for this game.
Sadio Mane:
Playing his last few games before heading to the AFCON, Mane will hope to have an effect on this game against Sunderland.
Roberto Firmino:
The Brazilian was unlucky not to score in the previous game but he will yet again be a decent threat on goal for the home side in this game.
Daniel Sturridge:
An unused substitute in the previous game, Sturridge has a great chance to get back to scoring form on this trip to the Stadium of Light.