Sunderland welcome Liverpool to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night, and if recent form is anything to go by, Arne Slot may wish the lights were turned off.
What was meant to be a season of survival for Sunderland has turned into one of the Premier League’s most enjoyable plot twists. The newly promoted Black Cats have taken to top-flight football like they never left.
This fixture is usually wheeled out as a classic David vs Goliath affair, but someone’s forgotten to tell Sunderland.
With just three points separating the sides, it’s Liverpool who look more like the underdog – or at least the side desperately searching for answers.
This current campaign has not been easy for Slot. Liverpool fans’ patience is certainly wearing thin, and given that Xabi Alonso is now available, pressure is definitely mounting on the Dutchman.
A trip to Wearside is hardly ideal therapy, especially with the Stadium of Light quickly earning a reputation as a place where big names arrive confident and leave confused.
Both teams come into this one licking their wounds. Sunderland’s away form took another hit at the hands of runaway leaders Arsenal – no shame there – while Liverpool managed to turn a promising lead at Anfield into a familiar tale of frustration against Manchester City.
Both sides are missing key players, but Sunderland’s home form has been stubborn, fearless, and the Wearside faithful have certainly turned their home into a fortress.
If they bring the same energy under the lights, Liverpool could be in for another long night – and the Black Cats might just add another chapter to what’s already been a memorable season.
What are the best bets for Sunderland vs Liverpool?
Sunderland or draw – double chance
The Stadium of Light has been an absolute fortress this season, and whilst this is yet enough tought test for Sunderland, they have faced tougher.
Liverpool are without Dominik Szoboszlai following his sending off against City, and there is a chance that Mohammed Salah could also miss the game.
That said, even if both of them played, Sunderland are gonna feel pretty confident against a lacklustre Liverpool side.
Both teams to score
Perhaps the stumbling block on this one. Sunderland are solid defensively at home and could very well keep a clean sheet.
I mean, they could also ship three and get beaten – but yeah, you get the sentiment. I’m confident of a 1-1 or 2-1 in favour of Sunderland, so that’s why I’ve picked it.
Under 3.5 goals
Similar reason to the above, Sunderland are solid at home. And even if they do get beaten, I’d be surprised if it was by a big margin. But the same goes for a victory I’m expecting a tense and close affair.
Where can I watch Sunderland vs Liverpool?
The match is available to watch on TNT Sports 1/Ultimate for those in the UK, with kick-off at 8:15pm.
Those in the USA can catch the action on USA Network with a kick-off time of 3:15pm.
What is Sunderland’s current form?
L-W-L-W-L
What is Liverpool’s current form?
D-D-L-W-L
What were the results of the last of the last five head-to-head matchups between Sunderland and Liverpool?
03/12/25 – Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland (Premier League)
02/01/17 – Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
26/11/16 – Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
06/02/16 – Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland (Premier League)
30/12/15 – Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
What is Sunderland’s predicted line-up?
Roefs – Mukiele – Ballard – Alderete – Reinildo – Sadiki – Diarra – Hume – Le Fee – Talbi – Brobbey
Injured: Granit Xhaka, Jocelin Ta Bi, Bertrand Traore
Doubt: Noah Sadiki
What is Liverpool’s predicted line-up?
Alisson – Jones- Konate – Van Dijk – Robertson – Mac Allister – Gravenberch – Salah – Chiesa – Wirtz – Ekitike
Injured: Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremie Frimpong
Suspended: Dominik Szoboszlai
Doubt: Joe Gomez
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