Liverpool will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins but they need to get past a high-flying Sunderland side.
The Reds have had a terrible start to the season by their standards and this has put a lot of pressure on Arne Slot.
However, the Dutchman eased the pressure a little with a win against West Ham, so he will be hoping his side can build upon this and get back to where they belong.
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Liverpool have a brilliant recent record vs Sunderland! 🙌
January 10, 2015: Sunderland vs Liverpool 0-1 (Premier League)
December 30, 2015: Sunderland vs Liverpool 0-1 (Premier League)
February 6, 2016: Liverpool vs Sunderland 2-2 (Premier League)
November 26, 2016: Liverpool vs Sunderland 2-0 (Premier League)
January 2, 2017: Sunderland vs Liverpool 2-2 (Premier League)
Liverpool have not lost to Sunderland since March 2012! 👊
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Sunderland are a much different opposition, though, and will pose a much bigger threat than the Hammers did, with Slot already admitting how big a danger they are.
However, he might be aware of their threat, but managing to get past them in another challenge, so it will be interesting to see if he has learnt his lesson from previous games this season.
Liverpool need to find a way to break down Sunderland’s resolute defence
Arne Slot looks on ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Sunderland have been a bit of a surprise package at the start of the season, with Regis Le Bris’ side sixth in the table.
They have also gone toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league due to their style of play, with a 2-2 draw against league-leaders Arsenal highlighting exactly that.
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They are resolute in defence and make it hard for teams to break them down, while also using their pace in the forward areas to counter-attack quickly, something Liverpool have struggled against so far this season.
Slot himself has proven he is aware of this too after praising them in his pre-match press conference, showing that he knows exactly how they are going to play.
“Sunderland combine both, they are either pressing you really high or 11 players defend in and around the box with all they have, and that’s why they are such a difficult team to play against,” he said.
Slot has admitted in the past that Liverpool struggle to break teams down who deploy a low block tactic, which has meant more teams have used it against them.
So now, he has the chance to prove that he has learnt his lesson and his side can find a way to beat teams who make life hard.
Florian Wirtz could be key for Liverpool (again)
One player who was brought in for situations like this was Florian Wirtz, with the German able to create something out of nothing.
He is also starting to come to life as well, with his performance against West Ham his best so far in a Liverpool shirt, something fans will hope he can continue.
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Sunderland, what would you change?
Liverpool's predicted XI vs Sunderland
Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Sunderland
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Against Sunderland, he will be needed to pick passes between the lines and split open a defence with very few gaps, although if anyone can do it, it is him.
After coming back from injury fairly recently, there is a chance he does not start due to the congested fixture schedule, but if Liverpool are to win, they might have to risk him.
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