Sunderland vs Liverpool – Another Euro hangover for Reds

Liverpool have been slow to recover from their European exploits this season, which makes Sunderland great value at 13/8 in the Premier League betting to build on their recent draw with Arsenal with a victory.

Match Odds

Kenny Dalglish watched Liverpool limp out of the Europa League against Braga in midweek and on the three previous occasions this season that they have followed a European game with an away game in the top flight, they have lost.

However, only Arsenal and Manchester United have taken more points than Liverpool in 2011.

Liverpool’s betting odds are 13/8 to beat Sunderland and they realistically need to win if they want to stay in contention for a European spot next season.

Sunderland lost all of their games in February and in total have gone five games without a victory.

But the returns of Nedum Onouha, Bolo Zenden and captain Lee Cattermole to action will provide a massive boost of confidence.

Meanwhile, they have not won in the league at the Stadium of Light since New Year’s Day.

First Goalscorer

Sunderland will need someone to step up if they are to beat Liverpool as Darren Bent is their only player to score against them in recent seasons and he moved on to Aston Villa in January.

Bent was responsible for Sunderland’s last three goals against Liverpool, while no other player has scored against them in their last nine Premier League encounters.

Asamoah Gyan is perhaps their most likely source of a goal and is 6/1 to strike first, but it may be worth taking a chance on Kieran Richardson breaking the deadlock at 12/1.

Luis Suarez will be sufficiently rested after being ineligible for Liverpool’s draw with Braga and is 9/2 to be the game’s first goalscorer.

A £20 stake on Sunderland beating Liverpool 2-1 would return £200. New customers can sign up here to take advantage of free bets totalling up to £60.