Sunderland’s season can be described as horrendous, abysmal and rather normal. Yes, once again the Wearsiders are struggling to keep their Premier League status, making this the eighth season running of business as usual.
David Moyes’ installation as the club’s new manager was expected to turn the fortunes of the Mackems around, but the former Everton manager’s job is more difficult than initially expected.
Nonetheless, in recent weeks the club finally look to have turned a corner and have recorded back-to-back victories, boosting hopes of survival in the process.
Moyes faces the difficult challenge of overcoming Liverpool today, with the Reds having looked unstoppable at times this season. Jurgen Klopp has masterminded the Merseysiders’ recent rise and will hope Sunderland will provide an easy three points.
To ensure Sunderland do not become another victim of Liverpool’s fast-paced style, this is the Sunderland XI Moyes must pick…
GK: Jordan Pickford
Thankfully for England, the rise of Jordan Pickford means Joe Hart’s demise is not such a worry – eventually, the Sunderland goalie can replace the Torino loanee.
Pickford’s form has kept Sunderland’s Premier League hopes alive, and the young goalkeeper continues to keep Vito Mannone out of the team.
Against Liverpool, Pickford must ensure he produces yet another world-class performance to keep out the notorious Anfield attacking trio.
RB: Javier Manquillo
The former Liverpool defender returns to Anfield for the first time since his disappointing loan spell during 2014/15.
The Spaniard’s defensive abilities could be questioned, but an injury to Paddy McNair is likely to see Manquillo return to the Merseyside turf in the opposition’s line-up.
Manquillo faces the unenviable task of having to prevent Coutinho having a significant influence on the side. If he can overcome the Brazilian, then a shock result could be on the cards.
CB: Jason Denayer
The Manchester City loanee remains doubtful for the game at Anfield, but with Moyes’ lack of options in defence, Denayer may be pushed forward for the clash.
Papy Djilobodji (suspended) is a significant loss for the Mackems, but Denayer must be provided with the opportunity to showcase his talent, and Anfield remains one of the biggest stages possible for him to do just so.
The physicality of Denayer could prove decisive against Firmino and halt Liverpool on their home turf.
CB: Lamine Kone
Sunderland fought tooth and nail to secure Kone to a long-term contract at the Stadium of Light following interest from Everton this summer.
Now, Kone has been one of the club’s shining lights in a largely disappointing campaign.
Liverpool will provide an enormous challenge for Kone, but for the player to further cement himself as one of the league’s best defenders he must guide Denayer through the challenge along with ensuring his own game is worthy of victory.
LB: Patrick Van Aanholt
Van Aanholt faces the fearsome task of trying to prevent Sadio Mane from running riot at Anfield, like witnessed numerous times already this campaign.
According to Whoscored.com, the Dutch defender will prove a worthy challenger for the Senegal forward as he recently won an 8.58 rating – the highest any left-back has recorded all season.
CM: Didier N’Dong
If there’s one weakness in Liverpool’s midfield, it’s a lack of physicality.
N’Dong’s is yet to blossom into a superb signing, but his presence is more necessary this weekend to combat the fast-paced Reds midfield.
If N’Dong can provide a goal threat from midfield and ensure his defensive responsibilities are met, then a shock result could be on the cards.
CM: Lynden Gooch
Gooch made his Premier League debut against Manchester City in August, and the American looks set to become an icon at the Stadium of Light.
Moyes decided to drop Gooch following the signing of N’Dong, but the midfielder must be restored to in an attempt to combat the fast flowing style of football Liverpool will seek to impose.
Gooch’s tenaciousness and hard-working nature could prove pivotal to Sunderland’s potential success.
CM: Duncan Watmore
If there has been one shining light in Sunderland’s recent fall from grace, it’s the youth academy prodigies that have regularly featured in the first-team.
Watmore’s inclusion in the Sunderland side instantly brings solidity and his pace makes him an outlet when the pressure is on at the back.
The former Manchester United academy player will be hopeful of ensuring his current side finally overcome their Anfield hoodoo.
RM: Wahbi Khazri
The success of any counter-attacking formula is fast-paced wide players. Khazri will travel to Anfield hoping to produce a similar performance to the one witnessed last season against Chelsea, which resulted in the winger scoring one of the goals of the season.
Liverpool’s biggest issue remains their instability at left-back, and Khazri will be tasked with hurting whomever plays in the role for the Reds.
Indeed, Liverpool have the ability to attack in numbers, but their frailties at the back will provide Moyes with some optimism.
LM: Steven Pienaar
The majority of managers have players they can rely on and often that pair will unite over and over again.
Last summer, Moyes convinced Pienaar to sign for the North East outfit and once again, the South African has slotted into the Scot’s preferred XI.
Van Aanholt at left-back regularly bombs forward in the knowledge Pienaar is covering the gaping holes he leaves.
ST: Jermain Defoe
Sunderland would be a Championship club in place of bitter rivals Newcastle if not for Jermain Defoe.
The England forward’s goals in 2015/16 ensured the Wearsiders remained a Premier League club and any chance of survival this campaign lays solely on the shoulders of Defoe.
Now, against Liverpool, Defoe must ensure any chances his team-mates provide for him are scored, while hoping for defensive solidity and a valuable three points.