It is just over a month since Sunderland and Liverpool last met. In that outing at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners. Christian Benteke scored the only goal of the game seconds into the second-half.
The scoreline doesn’t tell the full story, however. Sunderland made Liverpool look better than they actually are and if the Wearsiders can repeat Tuesday night’s performance against Manchester City, then they can come away with something on Saturday.
More clinical finishing
Sunderland must not be afraid of Liverpool, as the last game showed they aren’t what they used to be. At the Stadium of Light, the Reds delivered somewhat of a deflated performance, albeit a winning one. If Sunderland managed to bury their chances, it would have been a different story altogether.
However, like the performance against City, their finishing wasn’t clinical enough. Jermain Defoe forced Simon Mignolet into a smart save and Fabio Borini nearly got one over on his old club. The Italian hit a shot straight at Mignolet and another one bobbled wide of the post.
If they want three points this time round, they are going to need to be more composed in front of goal.
Defensive duties a priority
Sunderland looked confident in the first 45 minutes of their last meeting, but failed to take that into the second half and, again, let themselves down defensively.
Sam Allardyce’s men suffered a lapse of concentration and conceded a mere 22 seconds into the second half. The Black Cats must be on their guard all game if they are to get something from it, with focus required in full. Sunderland are still sat in 19th - five points from safety - and each game is now crucial if they are to stay in the Premier League.
The club’s January signings are likely to play a big part this time round. Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff both impressed against City in midweek and showed that they will definitely bolster Allardyce’s defence.
Must show more discipline
Although Jeremain Lens is likely to miss the clash through injury, Sunderland must learn from his mistakes against the Reds last time out and be more disciplined.
The Dutchman should have been given his marching orders five minutes before the final whistle in that game and caused a stir on the touchline. However, his tackle on Mamadou Sakho was not given the red card it probably deserved, to the disbelief of Jürgen Klopp.
Though Sunderland must show aggression, they must not go too far and cross the line.