Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Liverpool

Published on: 28/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Sunderland vs Liverpool

December 30, 2015 19:45pm - Stadium of Light

Premier League

Sunderland have the worst form in the Premier league over the last five games and must now face a Liverpool side who condemned league leaders Leicester City to their first away defeat on Saturday. The action kicks off at the Stadium of Light at 19:45pm on Wednesday night.

Sunderland enduring worst run of the season

Sunderland have now lost four games in a row and are in danger of losing touch with the teams above them in the relegation battle. Even during Dick Advocaat`s ill-fated tenure at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland did not endure a winless streak of more than three games.

In their last game, the Black Cats failed to pose a serious threat against a clinical Manchester City side, and were soundly beaten by four goals to one. They must now face a Liverpool side boosted by a Boxing Day win over the league leaders.

Slow progress for Liverpool under Klopp

Liverpool were hoping for a top four push under new boss Jurgen Klopp but they have so far failed to make any serious in-roads on the Champions League places. However, a win against Sunderland on Wednesday night would keep them within striking distance of fifth place.

With Divock Origi out injured, Liverpool are running out of striking options and may have to rely on Christian Benteke to lead to line. They lost their last two away games (against Watford and Newcastle) without scoring a goal, but prior to that they defeated Chelsea and Manchester City on the road. They come into this game on the back of a 1-0 home win against league leaders Leicester City.

Team news

The home side will be without the injured trio of Adam Matthews, Younes Kaboul and Seb Larsson.

Meanwhile, the visitors are unlikely to risk Daniel Sturridge who has recovered from injury but is undergoing a specially-tailored fitness regime. In the treatment room, hamstrung striker Divock Origi has joined the list of causalities that already includes Martyn Skrtel, James Milner, Jordan Rossiter, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Jon Flanagan.

Recent form (League)

Sunderland: LLLD

Liverpool: WLDLW

Betting odds and tips

Sunderland have been in poor form and are suffering from a lack of confidence. Meanwhile, Liverpool have been out of sorts in their last two away games and are short of striking options. However, if the Reds are at their best, they should be able to overcome their vulnerable opponents. The away win can be backed at 7/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 28/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (28/12/2015 13:11:13) but are subject to change.