Game Week 26 Predictions: Liverpool to earn a draw at the Stadium of Light

Premier League preview: Sunderland vs Liverpool at Stadium of Light – unbeaten home record for Black Cats, Reds chase top-4 sans Szoboszlai; BTTS

Without Granit Xhaka, what can Liverpool achieve at the Stadium of Light in their pursuit of a top four finish? (Photo credit: BBC)

Sunderland vs Liverpool
Stadium of Light
9:15pm

“I don’t think I’ve ever lost two games in a row before coming here. I’m not used to losing, but it happens, and I want to take positives from it” – Arne Slot ahead of his trip to Sunderland.

Liverpool saw three points turn to nothing on Sunday with just six minutes of added time to play. Bernardo Silva levelled late, and Erling Haaland scored from the spot even much later to take the result away from the Kops in front of their fans.

Sunderland had a tough day at the Emirates; there’s no shame in losing to this Arsenal. There’s a reason they’re the favourite for the title, and Regis Le Bris can take learnings from the thumping as he hosts the reigning champions on Wednesday.

The Stadium of Light will be rocking; no one has won as an away team on this ground this season, and the likes of Arsenal, City and Villa have all tried in vain. Can the champions do what no one else has been able to do this season away at Sunderland?

Sunderland typically acts differently at home. They set up in a compact way and ensure no one breathes easy on their porch. With Liverpool hurting from the weekend madness, this is a quick opportunity to turn it around; however, they must do it without their standout player of the season.

Dominik Szoboszlai saw red in a dramatic finish at Anfield and will miss this game, but he will be available for the FA Cup game at the weekend. Liverpool also has huge decisions to make at right back with Connor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong all out.

Joe Gomez will face a late fitness test, but the visitors are not the only ones with absentees. Sunderland are still without their captain Granit Xhaka and will also miss Burkina Faso winger Bertrand Traore. Both sides must find creative ways to earn something without their key players.

Liverpool can take advantage of Manchester United and Chelsea’s slip-ups on Tuesday night in the race for a top-four finish. United missed the chance to go third as they were held by the Hammers, while Chelsea lost a two-goal lead at home to Leeds. Can Liverpool get closer to the two with a win against the Black Cats?

Mohammed Salah didn’t do much against City; he must step up here. Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz missed gilt-edged chances at the weekend; they must step up at the Stadium of Light. For Sunderland, the Liverpool defence will have a torrid night with the presence of Ryan Brobbey; it will be a game and a half.

Verdict: Both teams to score.