Liverpool face tough test at unbeaten Sunderland after late City heartbreak
Reds seek response while Sunderland protect outstanding home record
Liverpool travel to the northeast looking to bounce back from a painful late defeat at the weekend, but they face a Sunderland side that remains unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season.
The Black Cats have turned their stadium into a fortress, while Liverpool arrive under pressure to revive their push for European qualification.
Sunderland dominant at home despite away struggles
Sunderland suffered their third consecutive league defeat away from home after losing 3-0 to league leaders Arsenal at the weekend. However, their home form tells a completely different story.
The Black Cats are the only Premier League team still unbeaten at home this season, recording seven wins and five draws. It is the longest unbeaten home run by a newly promoted side since the 1977/78 campaign.
Four of Sunderland’s five home draws have come against teams that started matchdays higher in the table, suggesting they can compete with stronger opposition. Still, midweek fixtures have proven difficult, with Sunderland failing to win any of their last eight Premier League matches played during the week.
Liverpool searching for consistency after late collapse
Liverpool are still recovering from their dramatic 2-1 defeat against Manchester City, where they led until the 84th minute before conceding a late penalty in stoppage time.
The defending champions now find themselves five points outside the top four and struggling for consistency, having won just one of their last seven league matches, drawing four and losing two.
Away form has also been a concern, with only two wins in their last ten Premier League matches on the road. However, Liverpool’s record in midweek league fixtures provides encouragement, with 19 wins from their last 28 such matches.
Liverpool hold strong historical advantage
Sunderland have struggled historically against Liverpool, failing to win any of their last 11 meetings, drawing five and losing six. The Black Cats have also scored just 19 goals across their last 36 meetings with the Reds, highlighting their long-term difficulties in this fixture.
Players to watch and team news
Chemsdine Talbi could make club history for Sunderland after scoring in the first meeting between the teams this season. He is aiming to become the first Sunderland player since Stan Cummins in 1980/81 to score in both league matches against Liverpool in the same campaign.
Liverpool will rely on Cody Gakpo, whose seven Premier League goals this season have all come in the second half. His last four away goals have arrived late in matches, with his last three scored in stoppage time.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka remains sidelined through injury, while Liverpool will be without Dominik Szoboszlai following his red card against Manchester City.
