Sunderland
It has been an extremely challenging first season in charge for David Moyes with Sunderland facing another battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Sam Allardyce was their saviour last year but it may not have the same ending this time around - especially with Moyes facing the likelihood of having to manage without strengthening his squad in the transfer window.
Sunderland's form has improved in recent months after a desperate start where they failed to win their opening ten league games. Three wins from their last four home games have given them hope of staying up although the recent injury to impressive young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is a blow heading into a crucial stage of the season. Sunderland have lost their last two games including being thrashed 4-1 at Burnley on Saturday.
Liverpool
It has been an exhilarating first half of the season for Jurgen Klopp's side. Liverpool have been the great entertainers scoring freely but also offering opponents plenty of chances to score themselves. The Reds have undoubtedly benefited from not being in Europe but their league form has been extremely strong having only lost to Burnley and Bournemouth.
Liverpool underlined their title credentials with a deserved 1-0 home win over Manchester City on Saturday. It was a hugely significant result which keeps the side second in the table and six points behind leaders Chelsea. Significantly, it also marked their third clean sheet in the last four games - a major improvement on their defensive record this season.
Match Odds
The visitors are worthy favourites as they bid to keep the pressure on Chelsea although their odds of 1.37 dampen enthusiasm in this particular market. Liverpool have won their last four games, along with on their three most recent trips to Sunderland, but it is hard to back them at such short odds.
Sunderland are back in the relegation zone after their drubbing at Turf Moor and extremely hard to fancy after losing four of their last five games. Moyes faces a huge challenge in lifting this squad for the game after their dismal showing at Burnley. Even at 10.50 it is very difficult to make a convincing argument for supporting the hosts.
The draw is around the 5.60 mark which could be the best Sunderland could realistically hope for. But the Black Cats have only drawn twice during this season while only one of Liverpool's last eight matches have ended level. Ultimately, the away win looks by some way the most likely outcome although there is no value in backing Klopp's side to prevail.
Liverpool to score in both halves
Liverpool have scored four more goals than any other team in the Premier League this season with 46 in 19 games. Their chances of finding the net against a Sunderland side missing Pickford, which have conceded seven goals in the last two games, must be high. Six of their last ten league games have seen the Reds score in both halves and their potent attack should be able to feast on Sunderland's weak defence.
Ref Watch
Anthony Taylor officiates the new year clash and the referee has sent off three players this season including two in the controversial game between Man City and Chelsea last month.
Opta Stat
Liverpool have won their last two visits to the Stadium of Light by a 1-0 scoreline. A repeat outcome is available at 9.00.
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