With the news of Steven Gerrard’s retirement earlier in the week, Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will be extra motivated to get a win for the legendary captain. With that in mind, it’s a good thing that they are facing one of the Premier League’s weakest sides in David Moyes’ Sunderland. Even if they have won their last two matches, Liverpool should be able to overwhelm them with their pressing.
Goalkeeper
Loris Karius will be hoping to get another clean sheet against a weak Sunderland attack.
Right-Back
Nathaniel Clyne will be challenged by an in-form Victor Anichebe. The Sunderland winger had two goals against Hull City but Clyne is a much better defender than Ahmed Elmohamady.
Center-Backs
Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren face the experienced and dengarous Jermaine Defoe. Even if Sunderland have only scored 12 goals this season, Defoe has scored 7 of them. Matip and Lovren can’t get complacent, even a small mistake could prove costly.
Left-Back
James Milner has played so well in his new position that getting a new left-back is not the priority for Klopp anymore. It should be more of the same from “boring” Milner, just great consistency in all aspects of his game.
Midfield
Adam Lallana will still likely miss the match so Klopp will go with Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Emre Can in the middle of the pitch. They should be able to dominate the match with their energy and passing.
Right Wing
Sadio Mane pressing Patrick van Aanholt would significantly weaken the opponent’s attack and allow the Reds to keep the pressure going.
Forward
Roberto Firmino should be excited to play against one of the Premier League’s worst defenses. His movement will confuse the Black Cats’ defenders and his willingness to press all over the pitch will force a lot of misplaced passes.
Left Wing
Philippe Coutinho will terrorize the Sunderland defense and with his excellent form in recent weeks, another strong performance should be in store.
(4-3-3)
Via – Lineup Builder
