Sunderland have been the Premier League‘s surprise package this season, so it is fair to say Liverpool could have plenty to contend with on Wednesday night!
The Black Cats make the trip to Anfield for a midweek Premier League meeting, with Regis Le Bris’ side sitting sixth in the table.
Liverpool ended their terrible run of form with a 2-0 win at West Ham on Sunday, but this is likely to be a far greater test.
Ahead of the match, we spoke to WTF Sunderland Podcast’s Graham Falk (@WTFSunlunPod) to discuss a brilliant season for the Black Cats, Liverpool’s form and much more.
Just how good have Sunderland been?
Sunderland’s Dan Ballard (second left) scored and assisted in the draw against Arsenal (PA)
Unbelievable really but not wholly surprising if you’ve been watching us closely.
Since the arrival of Le Bris, we’ve had this undeniable togetherness that can take you extremely far. We never know when we’re beaten.
I think everyone saw how we won the play-offs. That sort of stuff gives you an extra edge of belief.
It’s a cliche, but Sunderland is a wonderful place to play football if you get it.
Combine that with tactical nous, outstanding recruitment that identified the right fit for the team and throw in the world-class leadership of Granit Xhaka, and Wearside is a tough place to come for anyone.
What has been the secret to your success?
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 30, 2015: A general view of Sunderland's Stadium of Light before the Premier League match against Liverpool. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A lot of the above.
If I’m honest, there was a part of me that was worried the journey back would be better than the destination.
Little did I know how good our recruitment would be. Our manager is so calm, composed and astute. He is never too high, never too low.
At a club like Sunderland, that’s hard to do and keep balanced because we are a goldfish bowl.
The addition of Xhaka has been a masterstroke, though. He’s the straw that stirs our drink. The layer of connectivity between fans, players and club is really tight, too.
Bournemouth thought they’d beaten us at 2-0 on Saturday, but we just got behind the players and they believed in themselves, and we responded.
Which three players have stood out most this season and has anyone struggled?
This will shock no one but Xhaka has been a different gravy. I’d arguably say he’s the best footballer we’ve ever had in my lifetime.
His talent, his experience, decision-making and leadership, it’s another level. I watched some very poor quality footballers four or five years ago, and to now see him as my captain, just wow!
Aside from Granit, Enzo Le Fee has been excellent. He is eight out of 10 most weeks and never drops below a seven.
It’s hard to choose between a number of others, but I’m going for Noah Sadiki. The kid has endless amounts of energy and doesn’t look too dissimilar to N’Golo Kante in his style of play.
What’s the aim for the season now?
Seventeenth on goal difference. I’m not changing my mantra on that.
Do I think the team is better than that? Absolutely, I think it’s a top-10 Premier League side, but let’s secure our safety and move from there.
What do you make of Liverpool’s collapse? Would you stick with Arne Slot?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot acknowledging the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I’m surprised. I thought your recruitment was solid and your squad, therefore, untouchable, but you’ve just not got that chemistry.
That said, with the amount of quality you have, it can’t be long before you start returning to form and Sunday was a big win for you.
As for Slot, it is a tough one. Do I see anyone doing better? Maybe if Jurgen Klopp fancies a return, but Liverpool are a unique club, and I think you’re at your most dangerous when you’re all together and united.
I’d stick with him. He’s an excellent manager going through a rough patch.
You can have all the talent in the world, but confidence is a tough thing to just implement and when results go against you, there’s not much you can do other than keep plugging away.
It’s the number of games you’ve lost that has shocked me. Zero draws – a few of them turned around and you’d be in a much healthier position.
The quality in your side will see it turn, though.
Where do you think Liverpool will finish?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates with team-mate Ibrahima Konaté (L) after scoring the first goal, his first FA Premier League goal for the club, during the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I think both Arsenal and Man City have looked better than you, but you’re better than Chelsea.
I think third, with us just behind you in fourth. Sounds alright, doesn’t it?
Looking ahead to Wednesday, where will the key battles take place?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
If I look at where Arsenal and Chelsea struggled against us, it was with our physicality and our organisation. The one team that managed to break through that was Man United, and they scored early.
The idea of ‘just going at’ Liverpool seems a bit silly; the game needs to be played and managed correctly, similar to the Chelsea win in October.
Xhaka is key, and if he and Sadiki can win the midfield battle, we may nick something.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
The fact that I’m not immediately considering a defeat is a testament to how well we’ve done.
We’ve got Liverpool and City away in our next two games, then N**castle and Brighton, so it’s a really tough set of games.
I’ve been to Anfield five times and seen us draw three times. I’d love to see us nick a point, but I think Sunday’s win takes some pressure off.
Furthermore, I don’t think you’ll underestimate us either, unlike some who have and ended up with egg on their faces.
Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland, sadly.