Sunderland v Liverpool
15:00
Liverpool were able to grind out a narrow win over Manchester City at Anfield on New Year’s Eve, and they owed much to the efforts of lone goalscorer Wijnaldum at both ends of the pitch. On Monday they travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, who were put to the sword by an Andre Gray-inspired hat trick and who have now lost four of their last five. The Black Cats face Burnley again on 7th January in the FA Cup, so they’ll be keen to re-establish some momentum ahead of that clash.
Liverpool have a mixed record in recent away clashes against bottom-six sides, including some surprise defeats that might give Sunderland some confidence. They lost early in the season against Burnley at Turf Moor, as well as dropping points against both West Brom and Swansea in their last two away matches against bottom-six sides at the end of last season. As such, they are not an insurmountable force on the road. Sunderland’s form at home against top-six sides is poor, but not appalling: while they’ve only won one of their last 10 in the North East against top-level sides, they’ve picked up points in five of those 10 games, and they’ve got on the scoresheet in six in the same stretch.
Liverpool’s low-scoring win against Man City was out of character, but six of their last eight away games at bottom-six sides have had more than two goals, so we’re backing the away win and Over 2.5 Goals.
