Sunderland VS Liverpool
17/10/2009, 22:00
17/10/2009, 22:00
Analysis:
Liverpool goes into this match knowing that they have already lost three games this season and on top of that a defeat to the home side would make the home side leapfrogged them in the standings.
The Reds are now in sixth spot and will not want to drop any further than Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the standings. Their last match they were beaten by Chelsea 2-0. However, history is on their side as they travel to face Sunderland here.
Liverpool have beaten Sunderland in their last six meetings, and they have not conceded against the Black Cats since 2002. On the form side of it, Sunderland will come out tops as they almost grabbed a win at Old Trafford last time out even. Sunderland have also won their last four home games in the league and will be looking to make it five wins in a row.
Steve Bruce has managed to bloster his squad by bringing in former Liverpool player Boudewijn Zenden on a free transfer. Even though enden is awaiting his international clearance, he is an option to start at left-back in place of the suspended Kieran Richardson. George McCartney would be the obvious option - but he missed Northern Ireland's clash with Czech Republic in midweek and is unlikely to recover in time ahead of this clash.
Paulo da Silva is also out as he will have a long trip back after he was involved in Paraguay's match against Colombia. Zenden could start at full back if neither da Silva or McCartney could start this match. Another option is to switch Phil Bardsley to left-back and possibly bring in Nyron Nosworthy to play on the right.
Kenwyne Jones is also doubtful. He played for Trinidad & Tobago against Mexico in Port of Spain on Wednesday evening and could not return back in time. Fraizer Campbell likely to start if Jones could not return back in time.
For Liverpool, they will miss the services of both Steven Gerrad and Fernando Torres. Both picked up groin injuries whilst with England and Spain respectively, and those problems ruled them out of their midweek games. Dirk Kuyt will start this match despite a concern over his ankle in his involvement with Holland's trip to Australia. Dirk Kuyt will start in attack and Ryan Babel will play alongside him.
Greek stopper Sotirios Kyrgiakos will definitely miss out for at least ten days due to a knee ligament damage. The conditions of players such as Javier Mascherano, Emiliano Insua and Lucas will also be assessed before the start.
But the good news is that Danish defender Dan Agger is available for the first time this season and he could line-up in a three-man central defence for the Reds.
Yossi Benayoun and Fabio Aurelio are pushing for first team action but Italian Alberto Auilani is still not ready for his debut.
Take Liverpool to win and give the 0.25 ball here.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
THE PICK:
Liverpool to win 1-0
FIXED ODDS BETTING:
Take Liverpool to win this match
HANDICAP BETTING:
Take Liverpool and give the 0.25 ball here.
Liverpool to win 1-0
FIXED ODDS BETTING:
Take Liverpool to win this match
HANDICAP BETTING:
Take Liverpool and give the 0.25 ball here.
