Sunderland – Liverpool

Sunderland host Liverpool in what promises to be a pivotal clash in the lower half of the table, with the Black Cats sitting 14th on four points after a win, a draw and two defeats, their goal tally sitting at three for and five against. Liverpool, currently seventh with six points from an unbeaten run of one win and three draws, boast a superior goal difference of +2, having scored six and conceded four. The visitors will be eager to extend their unbeaten streak and close the gap to the top half, while Sunderland will be desperate to pick up vital points to steer clear of the relegation zone. Both sides have already shown contrasting form this season, setting the stage for a tense encounter at the Stadium of Light.