Sunderland vs Liverpool: A Must-Win Match for the Reds

Liverpool face a challenging mid-week fixture as they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland, desperately seeking a return to winning form. Following a heartbreaking late collapse against Manchester City, Arne Slot’s side needs a victory to reignite their Champions League qualification hopes. This match presents a significant hurdle, as no Premier League team has yet managed to win at Sunderland this season.

Injury Concerns and Squad Depth

Liverpool’s injury list continues to be a major concern, stretching an already thin squad. The suspension of Dominik Szoboszlai after his red card against Manchester City exacerbates the situation, leaving a void at right-back. Szoboszlai had been effectively covering for the injured Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez, and his absence presents a significant headache for Slot.

While Gomez might be available, Slot has expressed pessimism about his return. This could see Wataru Endo or Curtis Jones deployed at right-back, a less-than-ideal solution. Further compounding the issues, Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined in central defense, and Alexander Isak is still recovering from a broken leg.

Predicted Lineup

Here’s a possible Liverpool lineup for the clash against Sunderland:

• GK: Alisson – Needs to bounce back from gifting City a penalty with a strong performance.
• RB: Curtis Jones – Likely to fill the right-back role in the absence of Gomez and Szoboszlai.
• CB: Ibrahima Konaté – Will aim to replicate his solid performance against Newcastle United.
• CB: Virgil van Dijk – Faces a tough battle against Sunderland’s in-form Brian Brobbey.
• LB: Andy Robertson – Could be rotated in at left-back.
• DM: Ryan Gravenberch – Despite not reaching last season’s heights, Gravenberch remains a key player.
• DM: Alexis Mac Allister – Seeking to rediscover his form after a recent dip in performance.
• RW: Mohamed Salah – Despite a recent decline, remains Liverpool’s primary option on the right wing.
• AM: Florian Wirtz – Needs to step up and deliver a dominant performance against a stubborn Sunderland defense.
• LW: Cody Gakpo – Under pressure to improve his form, with calls for Federico Chiesa or Rio Ngumoha to take his place.
• ST: Hugo Ekitiké – Liverpool will rely on the partnership between Ekitiké and Wirtz to spark at the Stadium of Light.

Key Talking Points

• Liverpool’s Defensive Vulnerabilities: Can Alisson and the defense recover from recent errors?
• Sunderland’s Home Form: The Black Cats are notoriously difficult to beat at the Stadium of Light.
• Midfield Creativity: Will Wirtz and Mac Allister find their rhythm and unlock the Sunderland defense?

This match is a crucial test for Liverpool. A win is essential to keep their Champions League hopes alive, but Sunderland will provide a stern challenge. For more in-depth Premier League analysis, visit Sports Illustrated.

Ewan Ross-Murray is a freelance soccer writer specializing in the Premier League.

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