Liverpool vs Sunderland: Carroll looking for opening day heroics

The last time Liverpool won on the first day of the season was in 2008 when they beat Saturday’s opponents at the Stadium of Light, but with Kenny Dalglish splashing the cash this summer the Kopites will be expecting a strong start to the campaign.

Match Odds

Liverpool have never lost at home against Sunderland in the Premier League making them a good bet for the win at 1/2.

All eyes will be on Liverpool’s new look midfield, but it’s in attack where Kenny Dalglish be hoping the damage will be done.

Andy Carroll scored three goals in his five starts since his January move and with the added crossing ability of Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam he’ll be hoping he can replicate his form from the first day of last season where he hit a hat-trick.

Steve Bruce has also been active in the transfer market most notably pipping Liverpool for the signature of Connor Wickham from Ipswich.

The last time the Black Cats won away on the opening day of the season was in 2009 when they won at Bolton, but at 13/2 for the win they are certainly outsiders to secure their first win at Anfield since 1983.

Sunderland fans will be hoping the added Premier League experience of players like John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Sebastian Larsson and Craig Gardner can see a repeat of that result, but we’re expecting Liverpool to get their season off to a bang.

First goalscorer

For punters looking to bet on the first goalscorer in this encounter may want to look at Andy Carroll continuing his goalscoring exploits from the first day of last season at 4/1.

New signing Charlie Adam notched 13 Premier League goals last season and has quality in abundance from set pieces making him an attractive outside bet at 8/1.

Liverpool took an early lead in this fixture last season through Dirk Kuyt and the Dutchman is at 5/1 to repeat that feat on Saturday.