Liverpool Set to Clash with Sunderland: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Liverpool aim to build on their weekend triumph against West Ham United as they host Sunderland at Anfield in Premier League action on Wednesday.
The Reds broke their three-match losing run at the London Stadium thanks to strikes from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, providing Arne Slot with some welcome relief during a challenging spell. However, the heat will return if Liverpool cannot overcome newly-promoted Sunderland on their own turf.
The weekend success moved Liverpool back into the upper half of the standings, though they remain behind their overachieving opponents in the table. The Black Cats have collected one more point than the defending champions after a remarkable campaign start that has already delivered impressive results against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Liverpool shipped seven goals during home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, with another comprehensive loss on Wednesday potentially pushing Slot closer to the departure lounge. Sunderland understand that victory would see them equal the points tally of last season's highest-scoring relegated team Leicester City.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the vital Anfield encounter.
What Time Does Liverpool vs. Sunderland Kick Off?
Liverpool vs. Sunderland Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool | Sunderland |
|---|---|
West Ham 0–2 Liverpool - 30/11/25 | Sunderland 3–2 Bournemouth - 29/11/25 |
Liverpool 1–4 PSV Eindhoven - 26/11/25 | Fulham 1–0 Sunderland - 22/11/25 |
Liverpool 0–3 Nottingham Forest - 22/11/25 | Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal - 08/11/25 |
Man City 3–0 Liverpool - 09/11/25 | Sunderland 1–1 Everton - 03/11/25 |
Liverpool 1–0 Real Madrid - 04/11/25 | Chelsea 1–2 Sunderland - 25/10/25 |
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Sunderland on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Peacock |
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
Canada | fuboTV, Fubo Sports Network, DAZN |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Sports, TNT Go |
Liverpool Team News
Mohamed Salah's exclusion dominated the weekend headlines, with the Egyptian remaining on the bench throughout the Hammers clash. Slot confirmed the winger's omission was strategic, but he should reclaim his place in the starting eleven on Wednesday given the fixture congestion.
Regarding injuries, Slot has delivered encouraging news about struggling right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. The former has resumed training and should feature against Leeds United this weekend, while the latter will return to action next week.
Isak netted his maiden league goal for Liverpool on Sunday but looks set to make way for Hugo Ekitiké in the starting formation as Slot rotates his squad. Florian Wirtz, meanwhile, should retain his spot after delivering his finest display in a Liverpool jersey against West Ham.
Academy prospects Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns remain sidelined through injury.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland will be without four players for their journey to Liverpool as Régis Le Bris continues managing without Habib Diarra, Leo Hjelde, Dennis Cirkin and Aji Alese. Nevertheless, it seems the Black Cats emerged from their weekend victory over Bournemouth without fresh injury concerns.
Le Bris might return to the 5-4-1 formation he employed successfully against Chelsea and in the Arsenal stalemate, enabling his team to defend deep, absorb pressure and exploit a vulnerable Liverpool defense through quick transitions.
The Sunderland manager may also consider rotation from the weekend victory due to the demanding winter fixture list, with Brian Brobbey potentially earning a start after crucial goals in two of his previous three appearances.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (5-4-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Traoré, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Brobbey.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland Score Prediction
Liverpool have experienced multiple false starts during their poor streak and Sunday might represent another. The Reds performed admirably in their capital victory, but faced a lackluster West Ham team that provided zero attacking threat.
Sunderland arrive in superior form and possess the belief from already defeating Chelsea away from home this campaign—despite their home record being significantly stronger than their away performances. The Black Cats will present a stern challenge for their hosts.
Liverpool could comfortably claim maximum points, while another humiliation remains possible. However, we anticipate an engaging stalemate.
Prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Sunderland