Liverpool vs. Sunderland: First Game of the Season Preview

So here we go again, the Premiership season is set to get underway in less than 24 hours (subject to riots of course. The stupid people, do they not realise there's football on?!). and I for one am very excited about Liverpool's chances this season.

Maybe not title a title winning season but a Champions League place will do me just fine.

Anyway, back to the first game of the season against Sunderland, which is definitely one of the more difficult starts that we could of hoped for.

Steve Bruce's team have shot from relegation worriers to European challengers in a few seasons, and with the quality of players they have it isn't hard to see why.

So it could be a hard game for Liverpool to come out on top and get the three points that'll will hopefully get Liverpool's season rolling right, unlike the last few seasons where Liverpool have not started so well.

And as we have seen in previous matches between these two, there is always some sort of controversy. Beach balls, questionable penalties and free-kicks that weren't taken.

I'm certain something else will happen, whether it shapes the game or not is another topic, but something is going to happen. With it being the first game of the season, it could be the luck Liverpool need this season or the start of another poor run. I'm obviously hoping for the former.

With the signing of Jose Enrique covering pretty much all the gaps in the first team, I can see Liverpool doing well tomorrow, however I've also got my reservations about the team.

They've not played many games together and especially not against Premiership opposition, and it could take some time for the team to gel, only time will tell.

So with Gerrard and Skrtel both ruled out due to injury, and Glen Johnson a doubt, here's my predictions for the starting line up tomorrow:

Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas, Adam, Downing, Suarez, Carroll

I'm keeping with the same sort of formation that Liverpool used last season, with the 4-2-3-1 formation, and also, I have my doubts for Aurelio starting, but I'd pick him ahead of Insua.

I don't think it would be wise to rush Enrique into the team only a day after he's signed.

Also I'm unsure about Suarez as he only started training with the team on Monday after returning from the Copa America, so Jordan Henderson may make his league debut as well.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 Sunderland 1

I can see it being a close game but with Liverpool coming out on top to get the season off to a good start. 

Thanks for reading and again feel free to comment with your own predicitons for the team or result tomorrow.

Until then, I'll be giddy with anticipation for the first game of the 2011/12 season.