Liverpool kick off the new calendar year at struggling Sunderland on Monday, with Jürgen Klopp's side still just six points adrift of prolific league leaders Chelsea. Their win over Manchester City on New Year's Eve has kept them very much within touching distance of the Blues, and they should have no trouble recording a fifth-straight league win away at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland vs. Liverpool 2017: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Liverpool will be expecting a comfortable three points at struggling Sunderland on Monday.
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Sunderland begin the second half of the season inside the relegation zone, with two straight defeats having left David Moyes's side two points adrift of Crystal Palace and safety. It looks like it's going to be a long and difficult scrap for the Black Cats, who would do well to avoid a heavy defeat at home to one of the league's most dangerous opponents.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: NBCSN (U.S.); Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online streaming: NBC Sports Live (U.S.); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
Make friends: Sunderland fans should head on over to Roker Report for full match coverage; for everything Liverpool, see The Liverpool Offside.
For online listings in other countries, you can check out LiveSoccerTV.
Three big things to know
1. Sunderland's woes are compounded by a ridiculously lengthy injury list, containing the likes of Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Billy Jones is out through suspension, though Jason Denayer and Lamine Koné could play if they pass late fitness tests.
2. Liverpool's confirmed absentees are long-term layoff Danny Ings, Philippe Coutinho, and Joel Matip, with several other first teamers in with a chance of marking their returns from injury. Marko Grujić, Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez are all early doubts.
3. Liverpool have won six of their last eight matches against Sunderland, having lost none in the same period. Not since 2012 have they been beaten by the Black Cats; on that occasion, Nicklas Bendtner scored the only goal of the game for Martin O’Neill’s men.
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