Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce appeared to jump-start an impressive revival on his arrival at the Stadium of Light, but the Black Cats' arena has been plunged into darkness once again by four consecutive defeats. It has been a brutal run of games, in which they've played two title contenders and Chelsea, but defeat at home to Liverpool on Wednesday would leave them seven points adrift of safety. It's looking imperative that they manage to salvage at least a point.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland 2015 live stream: Gametime, TV schedule and how to watch online
Sunderland will hope to avoid a fifth straight defeat when they host Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
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The bad news for Sunderland is that Jürgen Klopp's side ended a winless run of three league games against Leicester City on Boxing Day, perhaps hinting at a return to form for the Merseysiders. It's clear that they're not yet ready to contend for the league title, but they certainly appear to have what it takes to challenge for a European spot. They'll doubtless be heading to the northeast in full anticipation of adding three points to their tally and jumping up to seventh in the table.
Key factor: Will Sunderland's defense hold out?
Sunderland’s big weakness this season has been their defense, with the Black Cats having conceded three more goals than anyone else in the entire division. On average they’ve shipped more than two a game, and have conceded 11 times in their last four matches. Allardyce’s battle to bolster a porous back line is currently a losing one, and they could struggle to fare any better here.
Recent history
Liverpool have dominated recent fixtures between these sides, having won four of the last five. Sunderland haven’t recorded a victory over the Merseysiders since March 2012, when Nicklas Bendtner fired the game’s only goal past Pepe Reina early in the second half. Sunderland finished that season a whole nine points above the relegation zone -- a position they could only dream of now.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Younès Kaboul (hamstring); Sebastian Larsson (knee); Jack Rodwell (suspended). In doubt: John O'Shea (calf).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings (knee); Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Rossiter (hamstring); James Milner (calf); Martin Škrtel, Divock Origi (hamstring). In doubt: Jordon Ibe (illness).
Sunderland will be without Kaboul and Larsson, as well as the suspended Rodwell, though captain O'Shea faces a late fitness test on a calf problem. Their injury list isn't nearly as long as Liverpool's, with Jürgen Klopp without several first teamers including Sturridge, Milner and Origi. However, they'll be hoping to have youngster Ibe back available after illness.
Match date/time: Weds., Dec. 29, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: NBCSN (US); TSN2 (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US), Sky Go (UK)
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