Sunderland AFC v Liverpool FC – Match preview
Liverpool travel to the Stadium of Light tonight to take on struggling Sunderland in the second game of the hectic festive program. Since “Big” Sam Allardyce took the Black Cats’ hot seat in place of Dick Advocaat in October, the wearsiders have taken only nine points from a possible 30. However, as we learned against Newcastle, Jürgen Klopp’s men can’t afford to interpret that stat as a banker.
In (not so stark) contrast to Sunderland, Liverpool have taken 15 points from a possible 30 and in the process, suffering defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Watford. All of whom, one would expect a team of the Reds’ ambitions to be able to overcome. We are after all, talking about contenders for a Champions League place. True to the modern day LFC though, this remains somewhat easier said, not to mention expected, than done. The most recent capitulation at Vicarage Road being a particularly bitter pill to swallow. For supporters, club and manager alike. The wolves of speculation were kept from the door thanks to the weekends victory against Leicester City.
Notwithstanding the fact that Liverpool are less than convincing against (perceived) lesser or struggling sides, I still maintain, this is a game Klopp should expect his side to win. To do so would not only instal some much needed confidence into the side, it would also mean a 100% record thus far over this crucial period. Not to mention equal points with the noisy neighbors from the wrong end of the East Lancs Road, and one point from fifth place. No pressure, then!
As selection goes, the back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Moreno should remain intact, barring injury. It’s ahead of that a more convincing selection needs to be made. Roberto Firmino, despite his assist against Leicester continues to frustrate. Against a wily old soul such as Allardyce, I don’t fancy his chances. In my opinion, his compatriot Lucas Leiva would make a welcome return to the starting line up between Jordan Henderson and Emre Can in front of the defence as the better results have seen this deployment.
However, in Klopp’s pre-match press conference, he made no reference to Lucas so I fear he won’t figure unless there’s a last minute injury – or of course, a bluff. Thus under the ex-Dortmund coach, the way forward looks to be a 4-2-3-1 structure, at least while James Milner is injured. Attacking-wise, Christian Benteke is the only fit striker, so he will make a start, despite Daniel Sturridge’s claim to the BBC to the contrary.
To support the Belgian, crosses must be the order of the day so I believe the best options are Jordan Ibe and Philippe Coutinho either side of Adam Lallana. That said, Coutinho, for me remains very naive in possession and his 50-1 miss rate from his left flank cut-in and tight foot shot trick can’t go without a mention in that regard. To support the team, hard work will also be required and this would need Benteke increasing his visibility and industry during the game.
The one high point from the weekend’s game was the performance of Henderson, and his partnership with Can showed plenty of promise. Between the two of them, they controlled the midfield and this will be required against Sunderland. It won’t be pretty, this is for sure. It’ll be Leicester-esque. The winner of the second ball will take the points in this one. Personally I wouldn’t care if my Aunt Rose plays. So long as the team gets a result.
History is on the side of the visitors as Liverpool have won all but two of the last five encounters at the Stadium of light, losing only once – which was the only time they failed to score there.
So on paper, Liverpool should be confident heading into this game. But as we all know, the game will be played on grass and this, is an entirely different proposition.
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