Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s season has reached a difficult point, and every small detail now feels important.
The Premier League table is tight in the middle, and the fight for momentum is fierce.
Liverpool have dropped points in games they usually control.
They have also lost their edge at Anfield, which used to be a place teams feared.
That has created pressure inside the club.
Players know they must respond.
Fans know the standards have to rise.
Sunderland arrive in the middle of this tension.
They are newly promoted, but they do not look like a side struggling to adapt.
They have beaten Chelsea away.
They have drawn at Arsenal.
They came from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2 in their last game.
They look confident, organised and ready.
That automatically makes them a threat, especially against a Liverpool side that have lost nine of their last 12 matches.
And now, heading into the midweek fixture at Anfield, there is one more thing that makes the challenge even tougher for Liverpool.
It is not a goal. It is not an injury. It is not a tactical twist.
But it gives Sunderland a clear boost and leaves Liverpool preparing for a harder night.
Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka will be available for Sunderland’s fixture against Liverpool.
The midfielder was one yellow card away from a suspension before the Bournemouth game yesterday.
Under Premier League rules, five bookings before the 19th match brings an automatic one-game ban.
Many Liverpool fans may have hoped he would get that fifth card.
Instead, he avoided it, stayed on four bookings, and is now free to play at Anfield.
The Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, explained why this matters.
He said, “Granit Xhaka, I don’t think is a surprise for anyone.”
”He’s an incredible player, has been all his career, has played in top clubs.”
He added, “On his own, he is very good defensively, offensively, but also I think he has a big impact on his teammates because he’s orchestrating everything.”
Xhaka has started all 13 league games for Sunderland.
He has one goal, four assists, and strong numbers in duels and recoveries.
He also managed the Bournemouth match without a single tackle, choosing to play carefully so he did not get booked.
For Liverpool, it means the Anfield test will be even tougher.
Sunderland are already confident.
And now their midfield leader is not suspended.
Read more: Liverpool field new player in Salford City friendly win
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