Fan Preview: Sunderland vs Liverpool

Sunderland return to Barclays Premier League action with a difficult home tie against title challengers Liverpool on Saturday.

The Black Cats strong start to the season has given fresh optimism to the North East and with the Merseysiders suffering a mini blip in form, Sunderland have every chance of upsetting the apple cart.

Four homes wins in a row and a credible draw against Manchester Utd has left fans wanting more and a win this weekend would illustrate just how far Sunderland have progressed under manager Steve Bruce.

Liverpool’s apparent lack of form, whilst troubling for manager Rafael Benitez, still only amounts to two loses against Fiorentina and Chelsea since annihilating Hull City 6-1. They hold sixth place in the league and whilst Sunderland have every chance of causing a shock, there is a sleeping giant aching to bounce back from defeat.

Sunderland haven’t beaten Liverpool since Michael Proctor (remember him?!) scored at the right end to secure a 2-1 win back in December 2002. In fact they have only beaten Liverpool once in ten attempts, drawing once, losing eight times and the concern is that too much over confidence could leave them open to a Liverpool backlash.

With captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and striker Fernando Torres (abdomen) missing the match due to injuries suffered on International duty, Benitez has serious  injury concerns ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light. Steve Bruce is also berating the International break after George McCartney again returned injured meaning with Kieran Richardson suspended there are no natural options at left back unless new signing Bolo Zenden receives clearance in time to play. John Mensah may well fill in while Kenwyne Jones is jet setting his way back from Trinidad to be contention although his efforts were only enough for a place on the bench against Hull so there are fears he won’t be mentally fresh to start.

Certainly this fixture offers both sides a chance to get back into the swing of Premier League football with a win and if Sunderland can continue their run of good form they could inflict more misery on Liverpool’s already failing title challenge.

Prediction: 1-1 Liverpool.

Merseysiders not strong enough to break down a relisient Sunderland.

Possible line ups:

Sunderland(4-4-2): Gordon, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Turner, Zenden, Malbranque, Cattermole, Cana, Reid, Jones, Bent.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Babel, Benayoun, Riera, Kuyt.

By Alex Churcher

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