Sunderland-Liverpool Preview: English Premier League Football

Sunderland vs Liverpool

Saturday 17 October 2009,

Stadium of Light

English Premier League Football

Kick-Off: 15:00

Liverpool

Liverpool travel north to face Sunderland after a 2-0 loss against Chelsea before the international break.

Liverpool have been hit and miss in the opening eight matches of the season, and Rafa Benitez will surely know that a run of good results will be expected in the near future if Liverpool are to avoid falling too far off the pace.

Travelling to the Stadium of Light is not an easy task, especially given Sunderland’s recent revival, but regardless of the conditions, Benitez will be expecting his side to rise to the occasion and grab a much needed three points in this Liverpool vs Sunderland match.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard (who is hoping to be fit in time for the Sunderland clash) have been steady contributors for Benitez this season, but sooner or later they will require someone else to step up and deliver on a regular basis.

Both Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun have contributed three goals each this season, and if Liverpool are to achieve success in the Premier League and Champions League competitions, then Benitez must have a good choice of in-form players beyond his two superstars.

Sunderland

Sunderland welcome Liverpool to the Stadium of Light on Saturday after a fine performance against Manchester United.

Sunderland made the dreaded trip to Old Trafford and claimed a solid 2-2 draw against the champions. With a bit more luck, Sunderland would have claimed all three points against United as they held a 2-1 lead into the dying minutes only to concede a heartbreaking own goal at the death.

While Sunderland have been viewed as “an easy three points” by most in recent years, the club are quickly establishing their style of play and putting in quality performances that have people quietly whispering Europe.

Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent are largely credited with Sunderland’s early success this season, as they rightfully should be. The striking partnership has combined for a total of 12 goals in eight games, with Darren Bent currently second in the Premier League's top goalscorer list with seven goals so far this season.

The truth is, however, that the entire team has lifted their play to an extra level.

Steve Bruce has been a revelation at Sunderland, and on current form, Sunderland are good enough to give anyone in the league a run for their money. This Liverpool v Sunderland match should be a perfect chance for Sunderland to test their ability against one of the Premier League's best once again.

Prediction

In last season's Sunderland vs Liverpool match at the Stadium of Light, the Reds were 1-0 victors. The reverse fixture at Anfield saw Liverpool also win 2-0.

Things are very different for both teams this season, however, and with Sunderland finding their form and Liverpool apparently losing theirs, this match looks to have a draw potentially written all over it.

Sunderland - Liverpool Prediction: Sunderland 1 - Liverpool 1

Find the BEST odds and FREE betting tips for the match at the Liverpool vs Sunderland odds and betting tips page from Sports Betting Review now!

Don't forget the other matches! Arsenal v Birmingham looks to be a walk-over, but Birmingham have a tendency to surprise.

Chelsea v Aston Villa will be a big test for league leaders Chelsea as they travel to Villa Park for the clash.

Old Trafford sees Man Utd v Bolton but Wayne Rooney may miss out through injury.