Liverpool and Sunderland are set to clash at the Stadium of Light as both sides battle for European football.
Regis Le Bris’ men have enjoyed a remarkable rise since returning to the top tier of English football.
Despite some mixed results of late, they head into Wednesday’s meeting just three points adrift of Liverpool.
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Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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The battle for Champions League football is getting away from Arne Slot, who could be let go if his side don’t secure a top-four/five finish.
They most recently lost to Manchester City and have won just one in seven – a run Joe Cole is expecting to continue.
Joe Cole predicts Sunderland vs Liverpool
Paul Merson has predicted the result of Sunderland vs Liverpool already, going for a 1-1 draw.
Now, speaking to Radio Times, Cole has also said the tie will end in a stalemate.
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He predicted a 2-2 draw and said: “This is a fantastic game. Sunderland have done such an incredible job. I’m doing this game with TNT Sports. I’m looking forward to it. I always loved playing at the Stadium of Light.
“It was always a great atmosphere back in the day with Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips. And they’ve got the champions coming up.
“This is what you come up to the Premier League for – big games like this. The way Sunderland play, the recruitment in the summer, they have just been phenomenal, and the Stadium of Light is the extra factor.”
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Supercomputer disagrees with Joe Cole
While the pundits don’t think Liverpool will win in midweek, Opta’s supercomputer has a different verdict.
They say that the Reds are favourites for the clash, giving them a 52.3% chance of coming away with all three points.
Sunderland, on the other hand, are only given a 24.7% of winning at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
Should Liverpool lose, though, they could end the week below Everton in eighth.
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