25 Nov 2016

Liverpool XI vs. Sunderland: 'Brilliant' €28m star injured; Clyne leaks Klopp's gameplan; surprise start for striker?

Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield tomorrow, and if results go the right way, the Reds will end the day top of the Premier League.

Pre-match news:

* 'brilliant' Reds star Adam Lallana remains out with a groin strain.

During his Thursday press conference, Jurgen Klopp confirmed that - Lallana aside - Liverpool have 'no big injury issues'.

* Sunderland are missing Paddy McNair, Jack Rodwell, and Fabio Borini.

* Klopp on Sunderland: "It is a real challenge. We couldn’t be further away from having the points already. We will not underestimate them, 100 per cent not".

* Moyes on Sunderland's game-plan: "We will make it difficult for Liverpool [and] park the double-decker bus. We also have two forwards scoring goals."

* Clyne on Sunderland: "We know they’ll be solid and, and counter-attack. We need to break that down and get the early goal. That’s what we’re going to look to do".

* John Aldridge's view: "Sunderland will be revitalised and have a bit more belief so it won’t be as easy as it was a month or two ago".

* Jan Molby's view: "Sunderland have found a bit of form, but if they come to Anfield and play 4-4-2, they could be on the end of a hiding".

* Lawro's prediction: 2-0 to LFC. "Sunderland's revival ends this weekend. David Moyes' side will put up a fight at Anfield, but it is hard to see them getting anything there".

I have to agree with the general theme here. If the team plays to its full potential, Sunderland will be annihilated, but even if the Reds are only at 70%, it should still be enough to get the victory. Potential Champions walk games like this, especially at home, but 100% focus is needed, irrespective of the vast chasm in quality between the two teams.

The big question is who should replace Lallana: Sturridge or Wijnaldum?

* Lallana: Cost €28m-rated (CIES Football Observatory)


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