Preview: Liverpool facing major Sunderland test at Anfield
A win could see Liverpool move within one point of the top four...
Liverpool’s season is at a critical tipping point. After an encouraging 2-0 win at West Ham United, which saw Alexander Isak notch his first Premier League goal for the club and Florian Wirtz shine with a masterful display, the Reds now face a defining test of character and consistency. Sunderland arrive at Anfield with form, fearlessness and ambition. For Liverpool, anything less than victory could reignite unrest surrounding Arne Slot’s future and dismantle the fragile momentum beginning to build again.
Momentum is Key
Beating West Ham was essential, not just for the points, but for the psychological reset it offered. Still, it will mean little if Liverpool cannot string together back-to-back wins, something they haven’t done in the Premier League since September. That is a staggering fact for a team who were crowned champions just months ago.
There have been too many false dawns this season. The team thought they’d turned a corner after beating Real Madrid and Aston Villa earlier in the campaign, only to regress again. That pattern cannot repeat. Lose against Sunderland, and the same old doubts will resurface. Win, and Liverpool begin to rebuild something more meaningful.
At Anfield, this has to be a must-win match because of where Liverpool are mentally and physically. The club has been in a slump, and one good result won’t fix that. Only consistency will.
Sunderland’s Very Real Threat
It would be foolish to treat Sunderland like a typical newly promoted team. This is a side currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, two points off the top four, and with real ambition. They’ve already taken points off Arsenal and won at Stamford Bridge. They play with a mix of grit and confidence that is rare for a side fresh out of the Championship.
Much of their success comes down to bold recruitment and strong leadership. Bringing in experienced heads like Granit Xhaka, who provides composure and direction in midfield, has been a masterstroke. Around him is a mix of quality and energy, with players like Mukiele, Geertruida and Sadiki offering physicality and technical ability in equal measure.
What Sunderland possess, and what Liverpool have struggled to deal with all season, is physicality. They press with intensity, compete for every ball, and refuse to be bullied. That approach causes Liverpool issues. When opposition sides are brave and willing to match Liverpool’s fight, they often get joy. This game will be no different.
Liverpool Cannot Afford to Be Complacent
There’s a real danger that Liverpool’s players and fans view this fixture as a banker. Sunderland haven’t won at Anfield since 1983, and there’s always a temptation to lean on that kind of historical dominance. But football doesn’t respect the past. It’s a results business and Liverpool are still in deep trouble and are only just beginning to climb out.
Liverpool’s home form has been patchy. They haven’t looked like a side that can impose itself consistently. Anfield used to be a fortress. Now, even average sides come and fancy their chances and Sunderland are far from average.
With players like Enzo Le Fee pulling the strings in midfield and Isidor leading the line with confidence, this Sunderland side has enough quality to cause real problems. They’ve been fearless so far this season, and with big games against Manchester City and Newcastle United looming, they’ll throw everything at this trip to Anfield.
The timing also matters. Sunderland are about to lose multiple players to AFCON. They know they need to collect as many points as possible before that stretch begins.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Choices Will Define the Night
One of the biggest dilemmas for Arne Slot is how to manage his squad amid injuries and tight fixture congestion. Joe Gomez impressed against West Ham, but there are questions about whether he can start again just three days later. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong remain unavailable, so the defensive setup may need to shift again.
What’s clear is that Liverpool cannot afford to be gung-ho. Sunderland are a team that thrives on transition. If Liverpool overcommit, they’ll be exposed. Slot must strike a balance between aggression and caution.
A repeat of the West Ham performance could be enough. Liverpool were disciplined, structured and created quality chances without taking too many risks. That’s the blueprint. Florian Wirtz should start again after his best performance in red. Mohamed Salah, having been rested, will be desperate to make an impact and win his place back.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Isak, Gakpo.
Final Thoughts
This is where we find out what Liverpool are made of. A win here would mean more than just three points. It would be a sign that the team is willing to dig deep and start behaving like contenders again. Fail to win, and all the questions that briefly went quiet will return with force.
Sunderland are a serious test, not just technically, but mentally. If Liverpool think they’ve already done the hard work by beating West Ham, they’re mistaken. This is the real test. Win this, and suddenly things look different. Lose, and the spiral resumes.
Liverpool have to roll up their sleeves and fight. If they do that, and combine it with the quality that players like Isak, Wirtz and Salah bring, they’ll have too much for Sunderland. But only if they truly believe that nothing less than a win will do.