Liverpool are preparing for another major night at Anfield, but the atmosphere surrounding the fixture has shifted following new updates from the Sunderland camp.
As reported by Liverpoolfc.com, Sunderland head to Anfield without any fresh injury issues from their game against Bournemouth, with Noah Sadiki declared fit after last weekend’s scare. Manager Regis Le Bris is still missing long-term absentees Aji Alese and Habib Diarra, but aside from them, the newly promoted side travel with close to a full squad.
Le Bris also confirmed that Leo Hjelde and Dennis Cirkin will continue their recovery by featuring for the U21s as they work back to full sharpness. Despite expecting to lose seven players to AFCON next month, he stressed that the squad remains competitive and that several backup players are ready to take on bigger roles.
He added that his youthful team must stay mentally strong at Anfield, focusing on their game rather than allowing the stadium’s atmosphere to overwhelm them.
These updates follow Arne Slot’s positive news on Liverpool’s right-back depth, with Conor Bradley returning to full training and Jeremie Frimpong expected to resume outdoor sessions next week. With four fixtures in a ten-day stretch, rotation will be vital for the Reds.
Sunderland’s strong availability, their comeback victory over Bournemouth, and their hard-earned draw with Arsenal all highlight that this match is unlikely to be simple. Although the Opta supercomputer heavily backs Liverpool, it also points to Sunderland’s impressive defensive record on the road.
Pundit Chris Sutton has predicted a tight Liverpool win but cautioned that Sunderland have the tools to threaten if tension creeps into the home side’s play.
Liverpool head into the fixture seeking to build on their composed 2–0 win over West Ham. Three points tonight could help propel them back toward the Champions League places after a difficult stretch at home.
Sunderland may arrive confident, but Liverpool’s strong Anfield record against promoted teams under the floodlights gives the Reds plenty of reason for optimism ahead of this important clash.
