Liverpool vs Sunderland — Match Preview
Anfield prepares for a midweek Premier League clash under the lights as Liverpool host the season’s surprise package, Sunderland. The narratives surrounding these two clubs could not be more different. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are in a precarious position, sitting 8th (or lower depending on live tables) and battling a defensive crisis that has seen them concede heavily in recent weeks, including a 4-1 loss to PSV and a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The return of Alisson Becker is the only beacon of hope in a stormy period for the Reds.
In stark contrast, Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland are flying. Sitting comfortably in the top 7, the Black Cats have been fearless on their return to the top flight. Fresh off a 3-2 win over Bournemouth and a spirited 2-2 draw with Arsenal, they arrive at Anfield with nothing to lose. With exciting young talents like Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor firing, Sunderland will fancy their chances against a Liverpool side devoid of confidence.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Sunderland
- Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 14)
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool (Capacity: 61,276)
- Date: Wednesday, 03 December 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:15 GMT / 01:45 IST (Thursday)
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- VAR: Paul Tierney (Expected)
- TV Channel (UK): Amazon Prime Video
- TV Channel (USA): Peacock Premium
- TV Channel (India): Star Sports Select 1, Disney+ Hotstar
- Live Stream: Amazon Prime (UK), Peacock (USA), JioStar (India)
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Liverpool:
- Position: Mid-Table (Struggling for consistency).
- Form: Poor. They have lost 3 of their last 5 games across all competitions. The 2-0 win over West Ham was a relief, but the subsequent 1-4 collapse to PSV in Europe reopened old wounds.
- Current Challenge: Defensive Solidity. Having conceded 20+ goals already, Slot’s high line is being exposed. The injury to Conor Bradley forces a reshuffle, likely seeing Dominik Szoboszlai or Joe Gomez fill in at right-back.
Sunderland:
- Position: European Contenders (Top 7).
- Form: Resilient. Only one loss in their last five (a tight 1-0 to Fulham). They have taken points off Arsenal and Chelsea recently.
- Current Challenge: Anfield Management. Sunderland’s young squad must not get overawed by the occasion. Their away form has been mixed compared to their dominance at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — What’s at Stake
For Liverpool:
- Arne Slot’s Authority: The pressure is mounting. Dropping points at home to a newly promoted side (even a good one) would turn the Anfield crowd toxic. A win is essential to stabilize the ship.
For Sunderland:
- Statement of Intent: A win at Anfield would officially mark Sunderland as challengers for Europe, not just a “good promoted team.” It would be their first win over Liverpool since 2012.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Team Form
Liverpool (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs West Ham (2-0)
- L vs PSV Eindhoven (1-4 – CL)
- L vs Nottingham Forest (0-3)
- L vs Manchester City (0-3)
- W vs Real Madrid (1-0 – CL)
Sunderland (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Bournemouth (3-2)
- L vs Fulham (0-1)
- D vs Arsenal (2-2)
- D vs Everton (1-1)
- W vs Chelsea (2-1)
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Team News
Liverpool:
- Alisson Becker: Available. The Brazilian goalkeeper is set to return after a long injury lay-off, replacing Mamardashvili. A massive boost.
- Conor Bradley: Out (Muscle Injury).
- Stefan Bajcetic: Out (Hamstring Injury).
- Florian Wirtz: Doubtful/Out. The playmaker is struggling with fitness and likely won’t be risked.
- Tactical Shift: With Bradley out and TAA likely moved on/unavailable, reports suggest Dominik Szoboszlai could be deployed as an emergency right-back to provide attacking width.
Sunderland:
- Habib Diarra: Out (Groin Injury – A big loss for the midfield engine).
- Aji Alese: Out (Shoulder Injury).
- Simon Adingra: Available. The summer signing from Brighton has been electric and will likely start on the wing.
- Wilson Isidor: In red-hot form (4 goals recently) and will lead the line.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Head to Head
- 02 Jan 2017: Sunderland 2–2 Liverpool (PL)
- 26 Nov 2016: Liverpool 2–0 Sunderland (PL)
- 06 Feb 2016: Liverpool 2–2 Sunderland (PL)
- 30 Dec 2015: Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool (PL)
- 10 Jan 2015: Sunderland 0–1 Liverpool (PL)
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Slot relies on his returning goalkeeper to organize a shaky defense. Isak leads the line.
- GK: Alisson Becker
- RB: Dominik Szoboszlai (or Joe Gomez)
- CB: Ibrahima Konaté
- CB: Virgil van Dijk (C)
- LB: Andrew Robertson
- CM: Ryan Gravenberch
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister
- CM: Curtis Jones
- RW: Mohamed Salah
- ST: Alexander Isak
- LW: Cody Gakpo
Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Le Bris sticks to his high-energy system. Jobe Bellingham continues to shine in the advanced role.
- GK: Anthony Patterson
- RB: Trai Hume
- CB: Dan Ballard
- CB: Luke O’Nien (C)
- LB: Dennis Cirkin
- CDM: Dan Neil
- CDM: Chris Rigg
- RW: Simon Adingra
- CAM: Jobe Bellingham
- LW: Romaine Mundle
- ST: Wilson Isidor
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Impact Bench Options
Liverpool:
- Hugo Ekitike: The forward offers something different if Liverpool need to chase a goal.
- Harvey Elliott: Can provide creativity in tight spaces if Sunderland park the bus.
Sunderland:
- Patrick Roberts: The “messi of the Championship” can unlock defenses with his dribbling late in the game.
- Eliezer Mayenda: A physical presence to hold up the ball if Sunderland are protecting a lead.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Tactical Outlook
Liverpool:
- Playing Style: Possession with Vulnerability. Liverpool will dominate the ball (60%+), but their build-up has been slow. They will look to isolate Salah against Dennis Cirkin.
- Weakness: Transition Defense. Sunderland’s speed on the break (Adingra/Mundle) is the exact profile that has hurt Liverpool this season. If Szoboszlai plays RB, that flank will be open.
Sunderland:
- Playing Style: Fearless Counter-Pressing. Le Bris does not sit back. Sunderland will press Liverpool’s midfielders (Gravenberch/Mac Allister) to force turnovers in the middle third.
- Strength: Youthful Energy. Rigg and Bellingham cover immense ground. They will try to outrun Liverpool’s midfield.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Mohamed Salah vs. Dennis Cirkin | Elite vs. Rising Star: Salah is still the King of Anfield. Cirkin has been excellent, but this is the ultimate test. | Liverpool |
| Dominik Szoboszlai (RB) vs. Simon Adingra | Out of Position: If Szoboszlai plays RB, Adingra’s pace and trickery could be a nightmare for him. | Sunderland |
| Virgil van Dijk vs. Wilson Isidor | Experience vs. Form: Isidor is scoring for fun. Van Dijk needs to be at his imperious best to stop the Frenchman. | Liverpool |
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Spotlight Players
Alisson Becker (Liverpool):
His return cannot be overstated. Liverpool have looked lost without him. His shot-stopping and ability to sweep behind the high line are vital. If he has a good game, Liverpool win.
Chris Rigg (Sunderland):
The teenage sensation is the heartbeat of this Sunderland team. Playing at Anfield is the stage he was born for. Watch for his late runs into the box and ability to break lines with his passing.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Fan Reactions
Liverpool Fans:
“Alisson is back! Finally, we might keep a clean sheet. Must win game.”
“Sunderland are no joke. If we play like we did against Forest, we will lose.”
Sunderland Fans:
“Anfield under the lights… bring it on! We drew with Arsenal, we can beat Liverpool.”
“Isidor to score again. This team is special.”
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Match-Defining Factors
- The Anfield Atmosphere: It’s been quiet recently due to poor results. An early Liverpool goal is needed to wake the crowd up.
- Sunderland’s Bravery: If they attack Liverpool, they will find spaces. If they sit back, Liverpool will eventually break them down.
- Goalkeepers: Alisson vs Patterson. Two of the best shot-stoppers in the league. The one who makes the fewest mistakes wins the points.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Prediction
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Sunderland
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Liverpool to Win (Home advantage + Alisson return).
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Liverpool’s defense is still gelling; Sunderland always score).
- Total Goals: Over 2.5 Goals.
Analysis: Sunderland are a dangerous opponent, and they will likely score given Liverpool’s makeshift right-back situation. However, the return of Alisson brings calmness, and the desperation for a win should drive Salah and Isak to deliver. It won’t be easy, but the Reds should edge it.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Final Word
Liverpool are walking a tightrope, and Sunderland are exactly the kind of team that can push them off. However, Anfield rarely sees three consecutive home league defeats. Expect a nervy, high-intensity battle where Liverpool’s individual quality just outweighs Sunderland’s collective spirit.
Liverpool vs Sunderland — FAQs
When is the Liverpool vs Sunderland match?
The match kicks off on Wednesday, 03 December 2025, at 20:15 GMT.
Is Alisson Becker playing?
Yes, Alisson is expected to return to the starting XI after injury.
Who is Sunderland’s top scorer?
Wilson Isidor is the man to watch, having scored 4 goals in recent games.
Where can I watch the match in India?
You can watch live on Star Sports Select 1 or stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
Call to Action — SportsphereArena Community
Will Alisson’s return save Slot, or will the Black Cats conquer Anfield? Drop your predictions below!
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