Sunderland v Liverpool: suspensions to cost Mackems dear
Published:Sunderland’s draw at Newcastle came at a cost as ever-present Stephane Sessegnon and Lee Cattermole both saw red, and in their absence, Liverpool are evens to help themselves to all three points.
Sunderland’s revival under Martin O’Neill is beginning to show signs of unravelling, as the Mackems are now without a win in three league fixtures.
With 34 points already on the board, they are perhaps just two wins from securing their Premier League status, but their record against top-half sides suggests three points on Saturday won’t be forthcoming.
The Black Cats have won just three of 13 fixtures this season against sides in the top ten and are yet to beat any of the top eight – losing seven and drawing three.
However, these seven defeats have all been by a single goal and Kenny Dalglish’s side are 3/1 to win by the odd goal.
Liverpool meanwhile have been hugely inconsistent on their travels, recording six wins and six defeats. And the Reds have lost three of their last four league games away from home.
Their recent record against Sunderland however makes for better reading. Liverpool have won in four of their last five visits to the Stadium of Light, conceding just once in the process.
But having already secured European football thanks to their Carling Cup exploits, their league campaign appears to be tailing off.
Liverpool have only won one of their previous six league outings and the prospect of the Champions League is subsequently disappearing beyond the horizon.
They were victim of a Robin Van Persie inspired smash and grab last weekend and Sunderland are 11/4 to condemn Liverpool to a third successive league defeat.
As for first goalscorer, Luis Suarez broke the deadlock in the reverse fixture in August. The Uruguayan is 9/2 to add to his 19 goals with the opener at the Stadium of Light.
