Sunderland vs. Liverpool: How the Reds Should Line Up in Premier League Game

Liverpool head to the north-east to face Sunderland in the early kick-off on Saturday, seeking to (again) get their Premier League form back on track after a disappointing 2-2 draw with bottom-of-the-table Leicester City on New Year's Day.

Since then, Brendan Rodgers' side have scraped past AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup third round, while we've also seen Steven Gerrard's move to the LA Galaxy confirmed. It's been a busy week on Merseyside.

Daniel Sturridge, of course, remains sidelined for Liverpool but should return to action this month. “We are looking forward to having him back,” said Rodgers at his pre-match press conference ahead of this match (as per PA Sport, via This Is Anfield).

Rodgers told reporters that there are no changes to his squad ahead of the clash against Gus Poyet's side.

We're expecting the Liverpool boss to continue with the 3-4-2-1 shape he's adopted since mid-December.

Here's how the Reds should line up for the Premier League match.

GK: Simon Mignolet

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Former Sunderland stopper Simon Mignolet continues to be Liverpool's goalkeeper, despite being dropped by Rodgers for Brad Jones last month.

Jones remains sidelined with an injury he suffered in the Boxing Day clash at Burnley, while Liverpool—despite a clear need—have yet to show interest in signing a goalkeeper during this transfer window.

The Belgian made a superb save in the win at Wimbledon but was, as ever, vulnerable on set pieces.

CB: Emre Can

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This is one of the few positions that isn't certain. Rodgers could use Emre Can or Kolo Toure as the right-sided centre-back in the three-man defence.

Can has been the preferred choice of late, able to bring the ball out of defence comfortably and act as a more traditional right-back at times during play.

CB: Martin Skrtel

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Martin Skrtel remains the anchor in Liverpool's defence.

The Slovakian celebrated his 30th birthday this week and will be hoping to use his experience to the benefit of the young side around him.

CB: Mamadou Sakho

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Frenchman Mamadou Sakho has only found his way back into the side due to Dejan Lovren's recent injury.

Lovren returned to the squad against Leicester, but then didn't feature at all against Wimbledon. Rodgers provided no update on his fitness in his pre-match press conference, so we're assuming Sakho will continue.

Which is good news for Liverpool as Sakho has displayed why he is, in the opinion of many supporters, the club's best defender.

RM: Lazar Markovic

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Lazar Markovic has been improving since his introduction into the side last month, playing from the left wing-back/midfield position.

Jordan Henderson and Javier Manquillo have so far been used on the right side, but Manquillo struggled against Wimbledon while Henderson is far more effective in the middle.

CM: Jordan Henderson

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Henderson, another former Sunderland man, has been in the news this week as the forthcoming Liverpool captain once Gerrard retires.

He was able to move into central midfield in the last match as Rodgers moved Gerrard into a more attacking role. Hopefully he'll continue there.

CM: Lucas Leiva

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Lucas Leiva has been one of the key reasons for Liverpool's improved form of late—six games unbeaten in all competitions.

The Brazilian, who turned 28 on Friday, has added protection to Liverpool's leaky defence and solidified the midfield.

LM: Alberto Moreno

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Alberto Moreno is a player who should enjoy the new wide positions in Liverpool's midfield. The Spaniard has superb attacking qualities.

He was rotated for the game against Wimbledon but should return for this match.

AM: Steven Gerrard

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With Adam Lallana ruled out for a month, Gerrard can continue in the attacking role he excelled in against Wimbledon last time out.

The skipper has scored all four of the Reds' goals so far this season.

Another option here, should Rodgers look to rest Gerrard, would be to play Markovic in this role and bring Manquillo in on the right side.

AM: Philippe Coutinho

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Alongside Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho will continue in the attacking midfield area.

The Brazilian has found improved form of late, finally enjoying a consistent run in the side—starting the last seven games and in the same position.

He needs to start adding goals to his game, having hit only two this season so far.

FWD: Raheem Sterling

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Up front should be Raheem Sterling.

The 20-year-old was finally given the break he desperately needed, having started 13 games in a row—no outfield player in the top-flight having played more minutes this term (per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo).

Pearce explains how Sterling was given leave to enjoy a short holiday in Jamaica, missing the Wimbledon match. He is expected to return for this match, though.