Liverpool vs Sunderland Match Preview
Liverpool are coming off a scrappy yet engrossing match up with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.
Despite taking the lead early through a Fernando Torres strike, Liverpool were unable to hold the lead and lost 2-1 to United who equalized through Wayne Rooney and then took the lead through Ji-Sung Park.
The Reds are now in sixth place in the league, four points back of Tottenham who are in the fourth spot.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez almost guaranteed earlier in the season that his struggling side would finish in the coveted fourth position. That is looking less likely now and even Benitez admits that other clubs would have to slip up if Liverpool are to qualify for Champions League football next season.
Disgruntled midfielder Albert Riera was said to have been sold off to CSKA Moscow following his verbal tirade against Benitez on Spanish radio, but the Muscovites have denied this.
Going into the Sunderland match defender Martin Skrtel is still unavailable due to a foot injury and midfielder Fabio Aurelio is doubtful due to a thigh injury.
Sunderland beat Liverpool 1-0 at the Stadium of Light last time out and given Liverpool’s annus horribilus who could blame the Black Cats if they were thinking maybe, just maybe, they could do it again at Anfield.
Manager Steve Bruce’s men are five games undefeated with two wins and three draws in those five games.
Sunderland are coming off a victory over Birmingham last weekend and a draw with Aston Villa midweek.
Comfortably 13th in the table they have nothing to lose by going wholeheartedly after the win at Anfield.
Andy Reid, Kenwyne Jones and John Mensah are all questionable for the Liverpool match.
