Liverpool’s amusingly inconsistent season continued in their last outing, as they managed to throw away a two-goal lead against basement club Leicester City. They’re now down in eighth place in the table, and an insurmountable 17 points in arrears of the league-leading duo of Chelsea and Manchester City. However, they’ll still very much feel Champions League qualification is within reach, and they’ll look to bolster their chances with a win over struggling Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Saturday’s early kickoff.
Sunderland vs. Liverpool live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Liverpool will look to bounce back from a disappointing draw with Leicester in Saturday’s early kickoff.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The Black Cats haven’t won in their last three games, with Gus Poyet’s side having developed a frustrating penchant for draws -- they’re the only team in the division to have drawn over half of their league matches so far. Struggling at both ends of the field, they’re only three points above the relegation zone. However, despite having drawn so often this season, anything other than a defeat would be a good result for them in this difficult match.
Key player - Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
In the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's most dangerous attacking threat is undoubtedly Raheem Sterling. The diminutive attacker's mobility as a centre-forward provides a unique threat, and against two pretty static defenders in Wes Brown and John O'Shea, he could cause some big problems.
Key matchup - Adam Johnson vs. Alberto Moreno
Adam Johnson once looked like a world-beater, and earned himself a move to Manchester City after a few bright seasons at Middlesbrough. However, as with many flair players, he’s dogged by inconsistency; the world class moments too fleeting for him to cut it at the top level. However, if he’s on a good day against Liverpool’s very attack-minded wing-back Alberto Moreno, Sunderland could be onto a winner.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Jack Rodwell (hamstring), Sebastián Coates (ineligible). In doubt: Anthony Réveillère (calf), Lee Cattermole (groin), Vito Mannone, Ricky Álvarez (illness).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana (thigh), Glen Johnson (groin), Joe Allen (knee), Kolo Touré (international duty). In doubt: Jon Flanagan (knee), Brad Jones (thigh).
Sunderland will certainly be without midfielder Jack Rodwell, while centre-back Sebastián Coates is on loan from Liverpool and is ineligible to play. First-teamers Anthony Réveillère and Lee Cattermole are doubtful. As for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Glen Johnson will be their biggest absentees, while Simon Mignolet should be given the gloves with goalkeeper Brad Jones in doubt with a thigh problem.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: St. Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England
TV: NBCSN, Directv, Mun2 (U.S.), RDS, TSN (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English), Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
See More:
