Two sides at opposite ends of the Premier League table meet on Monday as Sunderland entertain an in form Liverpool.
Sunderland endured a poor Christmas period and were beaten twice away from home, the most recent a heavy 4-1 loss at Burnley.
Andre Gray’s superb hat-trick helped the Clarets to another three points in their battle against the drop.
Liverpool edged past Manchester City on New Years Eve, winning 1-0 thanks to a Georgino Wijnaldum header.
They managed to keep City quiet for long periods to record a fourth consecutive victory.
Enhanced match odds
Liverpool to beat Sunderland: 5/1 with Betfair*
Liverpool to beat Sunderland: 5/1 with Paddy Power*
Premier League form: Sunderland W1 D0 L4; Liverpool W4 D1 L0
Premier League top scorers
Sunderland – Jermain Defoe 9 goals
Liverpool – Sadio Mane 8 goals
Match history
Liverpool recorded a 2-0 victory when the pair met earlier in the season, scoring both goals late on.
The meeting last year saw Liverpool edge home 1-0 thanks to a Christian Benteke winner.
Last five Premier League meetings
Liverpool 2 Sunderland 0 – 26/11/16
Liverpool 2 Sunderland 2 – 06/02/16
Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1 – 30/12/15
Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1 – 10/01/15
Liverpool 0 Sunderland 0 – 05/12/14
Draw HT / Liverpool FT – 18/5 with Bet Victor
Team news
Sunderland’s defeat at Burnley was made worse given the fact Lamina Kone and Victor Anichebe were forced off with injuries.
Billy Jones is suspended here, meaning Javier Manquillo is set to start against his former side.
Jordan Henderson was forced off against Manchester City and is a major doubt here given the short turn around.
Daniel Sturridge could return to the starting XI in place of the captain, although Divock Origi is another option.
Expected starting XI’s
Sunderland (4-3-3): Mannone; Manquillo, O’Shea, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt; Larsson, Rodwell, Ndong; Januzaj, Defoe, Borini
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Lallana, Can, Wijnaldum; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino
Predictions
Result: Liverpool (5/1 with Betfair)*
Correct Score: 0-2 (13/2 with Bet 365)
Anytime Goalscorer: Roberto Firmino (6/4 with Betfair)
*Offer(s) are for new account holders only, other T&C’s apply
