Liverpool vs Sunderland

Rory Fitzgerald · December 30, 2012

These were on a horrible run recently from the start of November until mid-December when they played 7 games and only won 1 of them which was away to Fulham when Hangeland got sent off. They lost 5, drew 1 and got that win against 10 men at Craven Cottage. It even prompted rumours that O'Neill had offered his resignation. They've turned if around somewhat since then winning 3 of the last 5 and losing the other 2 away to Utd and then home to Spurs.

They have the 6th best away record in terms of goals conceded on the road conceding just 14 from 10 aways which suggests they won't be blown away like Fulham and QPR were. However, of those 10 aways, they only won 2, drawing 4 and losing 4 because they only managed to score 10 goals.

We may have to be patient because Sunderland have only conceded 4 goals before the 40th minute with the remaining 22 being conceded thereafter.

Fletcher is their top scorer with 8 but Sessegnon will run his legs off. If he pulls a defender out of position then our midfield need to be sharp because McLean, Larsson and Johnson won't be shy about moving in field if there is a sniff of space and that is part of our achilles heel, the midfield not giving enough protection to the back 4 (well, 4 if the full backs have made it back).

There hasn't been much squad management from O'Neill over the Christmas games so it will be interesting if he sticks with the same legs though Danny Rose is likely to come back in.

Mignolet

Gardner O'Shea Cuellar Rose

Johnson Larsson Colback McClean

Sessegnon Fletcher

The last 2 matches at Anfield finished in draws, 1-1 at the start of last season and 2-2 under Hodgson. The last win was under Rafa when we beat them 3-0 at Anfield and Torres curled in a beauty at the start of the game.

Bookies price the game as follows

Liverpool 2/5

Draw 7/2

Sunderland 7/1

The_Adder · December 30, 2012

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