Premier League: Liverpool v Sunderland match preview

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League fixture at Anfield

Among the title-chasing scorers were Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, left, and Daniel Sturridge, right (PA)

In what is to be a vital game for both teams involved, Sunderland travel to Anfield on Wednesday to face Liverpool. Sunderland currently sit at the top of the relegation zone, only one point ahead of bottom place Fulham.

Liverpool’s fortunes are in complete contrast to their opponents as they sit second in the Premier League, chasing title leaders Chelsea with a game in hand. A win for the Reds this week will see Liverpool just one point off the lead, and they certainly go into this fixture as the firm favourites.

Liverpool’s recent run of form has been worthy of title contenders, winning eight of their last ten games. The month of March has also been one of their strongest, winning all three games with a goal difference of nine. Sunderland are in the midst of a desperate fight to stay in the Premier League, having not won a league game since early February.

Due to their extended League Cup run which saw the team make the final, Sunderland do however have at least two games in hand over their nearest relegation rivals and so maintain the upper hand in the fight for survival. With the season inching closer to its conclusion, Wednesday’s fixture could have drastic implications for not only the two teams involved, but other clubs at both ends of the table.

KICK-OFF:Wednesday, 8.00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Sunderland 1 (Glaccherini) Liverpool 3 (Sturridge, Suarez (2)), Premier League, September 2013

Liverpool 3 (Sterling, Suarez (2)) Sunderland 0, Premier League, January 2013

Sunderland 1 (Fletcher) Liverpool 1 (Suarez), Premier League, September 2012

Sunderland 1 (Bendtner) Liverpool 0, Premier League, March 2012

STATS:

Luis Suarez has scored seven goals in six Barclays Premier League appearances against Sunderland.

Sunderland have scored just five goals in 12 Premier League visits to Anfield

Suarez has scored or assisted 39 goals this season, only three players (Alan Shearer, Andy Cole & Thierry Henry) have been involved in more goals in a single campaign.

Daniel Sturridge has scored 10 goals in 10 Premier League appearances at Anfield this season, including six in his last four there.

ODDS:

Liverpool to win: 1.18

Sunderland to win: 19.0

Draw: 9.0

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 8.00pm, highlights on Sky Sports 1 at 10.30pm