Sunderland Clash with Liverpool: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
A challenging away fixture awaits the struggling title holders, as Liverpool travel to face the formidable Sunderland on Wednesday evening.
The journey to Wearside comes just 72 hours after Arne Slot's team gave up a late advantage to Manchester City, causing them to fall behind in the battle for European competition qualification.
Though Liverpool have broken free from their late-2025 slump through Florian Wirtz's enhanced performances and Hugo Ekitiké's ongoing excellence, the Reds continue to struggle defensively and rarely dominate matches. Sunday's loss puts them four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea entering Gameweek 26, and Sunderland could match Liverpool's 39-point total with a victory at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats remain the sole Premier League side with a perfect home record. Their fortress-like mentality at Wearside has them positioned ninth in the division with genuine European aspirations for next season.
Nevertheless, their recent form has been inconsistent, suffering a heavy defeat against table-toppers Arsenal in their previous outing. That match represented something of a bonus fixture for Régis Le Bris's resilient squad, and they'll be eager for Wednesday's encounter as they seek their first victory over Liverpool since 2012.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the Premier League encounter.
What Time Does Sunderland vs. Liverpool Kick Off?
What Time Does Sunderland vs. Liverpool Kick Off?
Sunderland vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Sunderland vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Sunderland (WWLWW) | Liverpool (LWWLW) |
|---|---|
Arsenal 3–0 Sunderland | Liverpool 1–2 Man City |
Sunderland 3–0 Burnley | Liverpool 4–1 Newcastle |
West Ham 3–1 Sunderland | Liverpool 6–0 Qarabağ |
Sunderland 2–1 Crystal Palace | Bournemouth 3–2 Liverpool |
Everton 1–1 (0–3p) Sunderland | Marseille 0–3 Liverpool |
How to Watch Sunderland vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Sunderland vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, TeleXitos |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 6 Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland Team News
An ankle problem will likely sideline Granit Xhaka for Wednesday's match, representing a significant blow to the hosts' midfield options.
Nevertheless, Habib Diarra was instrumental in Sunderland's victory against Burnley last Monday, while Noah Sadiki has shown promise in his debut Premier League season. The duo will probably feature in Le Bris's central midfield partnership.
Bertrand Traoré remains unavailable following his knee injury picked up at the Africa Cup of Nations. The veteran winger might make his comeback sometime later this month.
Chemsdine Talbi found the net in the earlier meeting and has delivered several brilliant moments for the Black Cats since his summer arrival. The pacey winger will retain his position on the left flank and look to exploit Liverpool's shortage of fit right-backs.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Sunderland predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Diarra; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey.
Liverpool Team News
Liverpool Team News
"Should Joe [Gomez] not be fit to start, we'll be missing four players who can operate at right-back," Slot commented before Wednesday's fixture. Liverpool were already without Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley due to injuries before Dominik Szoboszlai received his marching orders in the final moments of Sunday's chaotic loss.
The Hungarian's ban means Slot will probably need to adapt his defensive setup, though there's a possibility that Joe Gomez could return from his fitness issues at the Stadium of Light.
Gomez participated in Tuesday's training session but may only be fit enough for substitute duty. Curtis Jones represents another alternative.
The away side also remain without long-term casualties Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Sunderland
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Sunderland vs. Liverpool Score Prediction
Sunderland vs. Liverpool Score Prediction
Liverpool's failure to maintain dominance in possession or out of it has undermined their championship campaign. On Sunday, they had the opportunity to secure what would have been a crucial win, but they crumbled in the closing stages once more.
They appear vulnerable at the Stadium of Light, despite the individual quality of their attacking players. They possess an underwhelming away form and might find it difficult to cope with the intensity and strength of Le Bris's Sunderland, who transform into a different proposition at home but impressed at Anfield in the first meeting.
This has all the ingredients of another troublesome evening for Slot, and one has to question whether this could be the breaking point for the Dutch manager.