Liverpool has plenty of work to do to catch Manchester United and Chelsea as it heads to Sunderland, but Paul Merson isn't feeling too confident about the Reds' chances
James Findlater Content Editor
09:30, 10 Feb 2026
Paul Merson speaking on the Stick to Football podcast
Paul Merson isn't confident about Liverpool's chances against Sunderland(Image: YouTube/Overlap)
Paul Merson has told Liverpool its game against Sunderland is a “must-win” - although the former Arsenal star doesn’t fancy the Reds’ chances.
Arne Slot takes his side to the Stadium of Light, having seen their top four hopes suffer yet another blow after defeat to Manchester City at the weekend. Liverpool now finds itself five points off the Champions League place in the Premier League, and it could get even worse before a ball is even kicked against Sunderland.
With both Manchester United and Chelsea playing on Tuesday, the Reds could find themselves eight and seven points off their rivals by the time kick-off in the north-east arrives.
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Fifth place looks as though it could be enough to secure a place at Europe’s top table again next season, although even that is looking like a tall order for Liverpool now, given it is struggling to keep pace with United and Chelsea, with both of those sides having won every league game since changing their managers.
“This is a difficult game for Liverpool,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “Sunderland are the only team who haven't lost at home this season. I expect Chelsea to win and if Manchester United also get three points, this becomes a must-win game for Liverpool.
“Liverpool can't afford to drop points when Chelsea and United win, it's as simple as that now.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool looks dejected following the team's defeat during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool has a lot of work to do following the defeat to Manchester City(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
As Merson mentioned, the Reds come up against the only side in the Premier League still boasting an unbeaten home record this season, with even Arsenal and Manchester City having been unable to break Sunderland’s resolve.
That makes tomorrow’s task all the more daunting for Liverpool, and the visitors aren’t helped by a growing list of absentees in defense.
Slot will have to find yet another player to fill in at right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off during a chaotic end to Sunday’s game against City. The Hungarian has been perhaps Liverpool’s standout player this season, further deepening his side’s problems in his absence.
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Already expecting Sunderland to make the Reds “sweat”, Merson isn’t giving Liverpool much hope of getting back on track.
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“Szoboszlai will be a huge miss for Liverpool due to his suspension,” he added. “Arne Slot has no right-back now and will probably use Curtis Jones there. Going away to Sunderland without someone like Szoboszlai, who has done so well this season, can have an impact on Liverpool.
“I expect Slot to go with the same team apart from the forced change at right-back. But I don't see Liverpool winning this game,” Merson concluded, predicting a 1-1 draw.