Sunderland vs Liverpool: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Stadium of Light

Steven Gerrard celebrates giving Liverpool the lead with the first of his two goals against AFC Wimbledon on Monday night (Getty) (Getty)

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland team will play host to Liverpool this weekend in their second match of the season against each other.

First time around the match resulted in a 0-0 draw and both teams and their fans will be hoping for a higher goal tally come Saturday.

Every point will count for Sunderland in the coming months as they attempt to cement their position in the Premier League and avoid a downward spiral towards the relegation zone. The home team have lost two out of their last three games and really need the three points.

Adam Johnson has scored the majority of Sunderland’s goals of late and no doubt the team will be looking to him to lead them to glory. With the announcement that captain Steven Gerrard will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season could Reds minds be on other things?

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Sunderland 0 Liverpool 0, Premier League, December 2014

Liverpool 2 (Gerrard, Sturridge) Sunderland 1 (Sung-Yong), Premier League, March 2014

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

STATS…

On occasions where the two teams have played each other 45% of the time Liverpool have won the match.

Sunderland currently have a goal difference of -12 compared to Liverpool’s +1.

On average more red and yellow cards are awarded to Sunderland than Liverpool whenever the two teams meet.

ODDS…

Sunderland to win: 13/4

Liverpool to win: 19/20

Draw: 28/11

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 at 12.45pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.