Liverpool vs Sunderland Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Liverpool entertain Sunderland at Anfield tonight looking to give their title hopes a major boost.

The Reds head into the game sitting third after Manchester City’s win at Old Trafford on Tuesday, but they can move back up to second and within a single point of Chelsea with victory tonight.

Brendan Rodgers men are in excellent form of late, with the Merseysiders the only remaining side unbeaten in 2014 and they’ve won their last six games on the spin to put themselves right in the mix for the title this season.

Liverpool’s latest victory was a 6-3 win over Cardiff on Saturday and they will be confident of making it seven wins in succession as they play lowly Sunderland, who are battling for their lives at the wrong end of the table.

Gus Poyet’s side lost 2-0 away at Norwich at the weekend to make it just one point from four games to leave them sitting 18th in the division, so the League Cup finalists will be desperate to give their relegation hopes a major boost with a positive result tonight.

Team News

Liverpool have no fresh injury worries to contend with so manager Brendan Rodgers must decide whether to stick with the side that beat Cardiff or take the opportunity to make a few changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham.

Mamadou Sakho could make his first start since December after recovering from a hamstring injury while Lucas Leiva is also pushing for a recall. Raheem Sterling was left on the bench last time out so he could come back into the side tonight with Joe Allen possibly the man to make way.

Steven Gerrard is just one booking away from picking up a two match ban so the skipper has been told to be more cautious over the next couple of games.

Fabio Borini is unable to play against his parent club so Emanuele Giaccherini is likely to come in, while Jack Colback could fill in at left-back with Marcos Alonso suspended following his sending off against Norwich.

Steven Fletcher remains out through injury but Connor Wickham is in contention having been recalled from a loan spell at Leeds United.

Likley Line-Ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: The Uruguayan was among the goals again at the weekend, hitting a hat-trick to take his tally to 28 for the season in the league. The visitors will do well to stop him adding to that number tonight.

Predicted Score

Liverpool 4-0 Sunderland: I really don’t see any hope for Sunderland getting anything from the game this evening. Another comprehensive victory is in store for the Reds.

What team would you like to see Rodgers put out and whats your predicted score for the game? Share your views below.