Liverpool vs. Sunderland: Team News, Preview, Live-Stream, TV Info

Sunderland will be the latest team to attempt to tame Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Liverpool side in the Premier League when they make the trip to Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds saw their winning run ended by Southampton last time out, as they were held to a 0-0 draw on the south coast and consequently leapfrogged by Chelsea at the top of the table. With the Londoners not playing until later in the day, Liverpool could retake top spot with three points against the Black Cats.

Sunderland have enjoyed an upturn in form themselves as of late. David Moyes’ men have won their last two matches, and although they remain in the bottom three, their predicament doesn’t look quite so hopeless.

An intriguing game is in store on Merseyside. Here are the details on where you can catch the action, the key team news and a look at how this one will likely pan out.

Date: Saturday, November 26

Time: 3 p.m. (GMT), 10 a.m. (ET)

TV Info: NBC Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: NBC Sports App (U.S.)

Team News

Liverpool: The main doubt for Liverpool ahead of this one is midfielder Adam Lallana, who Klopp confirmed could miss "two or three games" because of the knock he picked up on international duty. Danny Ings is a long-term absentee.

Likely XI: Loris Karius; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, James Milner; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho; Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Sadio Mane.

Sunderland: It was revealed ahead of this game that Paddy McNair is set to miss the rest of the season because of a cruciate ligament injury, while Moyes also has doubts over Jason Denayer, Jan Kirchhoff and Sebastian Larsson. Fabio Borini, Lee Cattermole and Jack Rodwell are out.

Likely XI: Jordan Pickford; Billy Jones, John O’Shea, Lamine Kone, Patrick van Aanholt; Jan Kirchhoff, Didier Ndong, Jason Denayer; Duncan Watmore, Jermain Defoe, Victor Anichebe.

Team news courtesy of Fantasy Football Scout.

Preview

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Liverpool supporters would have felt a little frustrated after the stalemate at St Mary's Stadium. After all, this result meant they surrendered top spot after just one matchday, and even more infuriatingly for the travelling fans, their team had chances to win the game comfortably.

Nevertheless, there were positives for Klopp to take from the draw. A point at Southampton is never a bad result, and the defensive setup of the Liverpool team was superb throughout the contest.

Since arriving at the club in the summer, Joel Matip has struck up a wonderful understanding with Dejan Lovren at centre-back.

Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo was impressed with both men:

The pair will have to be at their watchful best to cope with the attacking threat Sunderland pose, though, which is not something that would have been anticipated by many a few weeks ago.

To his credit, Moyes has drafted a rejuvenated Victor Anichebe into the starting XI for the Black Cats’ last two outings, and the burly striker has responded with three goals. Alongside Jermain Defoe and Duncan Watmore, the former Everton man has been a handful.

Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

It’ll be fascinating to see whether the Sunderland manager approaches the game in similarly cavalier style, a blueprint that could play into the hands of the hosts.

However, they do have a tremendous young goalkeeper to rely on in Jordan Pickford; former Black Cats stopper David Preece has been impressed with his efforts:

During his 11 years as Everton boss, Moyes was unable to secure a win at Anfield. And in his only match there as Manchester United manager, he suffered a defeat. To head back to Merseyside with his new side and clinch a critical three points would be extra special for the much-maligned Glaswegian.

But it’s difficult to see Sunderland living with a Liverpool team that is playing with such verve and incision. Klopp’s men will be hungry for goals after drawing a blank against Saints and will notch a comfortable triumph to put the pressure on Chelsea.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Sunderland