Liverpool welcome Sunderland to Anfield for a fascinating Premier League encounter on Wednesday, December 3. It will be the first meeting between these two sides since 2017, and this time the stakes are high. Only one point separates them in the standings, with Sunderland sitting sixth and Liverpool eighth. Both teams are chasing European qualification, and a victory could propel either side into the top four. The reigning champions are looking to regain consistency, while the newly promoted Black Cats continue to defy expectations with their impressive performances.

Liverpool’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Liverpool finally ended their poor run with a crucial 2-0 away win over West Ham United on November 30. That result snapped a three-game losing streak and lifted them back into the top half of the table. However, Arne Slot’s men have endured a disappointing title defense so far, with seven wins and six defeats from their opening 13 matches. The Reds have collected 21 points, leaving them nine behind the league leaders and level with Manchester United in eighth place.

Despite their attacking talent, Liverpool’s performances have been inconsistent. They average 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. The team has not drawn any of their last 20 league games, underlining their all-or-nothing approach. Encouragingly, they have scored at least once in 26 of their last 28 Premier League fixtures, and goals have been a constant feature at Anfield, with over 0.5 goals in the second half recorded in each of their last 14 home league matches.

New signing Alexander Isak opened his Liverpool account against West Ham, while Cody Gakpo also found the net, joining Mohamed Salah as the club’s joint top scorer with four goals each. The attacking depth is further bolstered by Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, who have contributed five goals between them. However, defensive lapses have cost Liverpool dearly, as they have lost nine of their last 13 matches in all competitions. Slot will be hoping that the Anfield crowd can inspire a turnaround and help his side rediscover their early-season form.

Sunderland’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Sunderland have been one of the surprise packages of the Premier League season. Under Regis Le Bris, the newly promoted side have shown resilience and attacking flair, collecting 22 points from 13 games. Their record of six wins, four draws, and three defeats places them above Liverpool in the standings. The Black Cats returned to winning ways with a thrilling 3-2 home victory over AFC Bournemouth on November 29, a result that reaffirmed their European ambitions.

In their last five matches, Sunderland have registered two wins, two draws, and one defeat, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Away from home, they have been solid and disciplined, with under 3.5 total goals in each of their last 15 away fixtures. Across all competitions, 30 of their last 32 matches have also seen fewer than four goals, reflecting a balanced approach that prioritizes structure without sacrificing attacking intent.

Up front, Brian Brobbey has been a key figure, scoring late winners against both Arsenal and Bournemouth. His impact off the bench has been crucial, and he could once again play a decisive role at Anfield. Wilson Isidor remains the team’s top scorer with four goals, while midfielders Granit Xhaka, Bertrand Traoré, and Enzo Le Fée have all contributed to Sunderland’s dynamic play. The Black Cats have lost only twice in their last 11 outings, proving difficult to beat even against stronger opposition.

Liverpool vs Sunderland Prediction and Tactical Overview

This fixture promises to be an intriguing battle between Liverpool’s attacking power and Sunderland’s disciplined structure. The Reds will look to dominate possession and press high, but their defensive fragility could leave openings for Sunderland’s quick transitions. The visitors, buoyed by their strong start to the season, will aim to frustrate the champions and exploit spaces on the counterattack.

Historically, Liverpool have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning three and drawing two of their last five meetings with Sunderland. The last encounter, in January 2017, ended in a 2-2 draw. Given both teams’ current form, another high-energy contest with goals at both ends seems likely. Liverpool’s home advantage and attacking options make them favorites, but Sunderland’s confidence and resilience suggest they will not go down easily.

Both sides have shown a tendency to score and concede regularly, and with Liverpool’s defense under scrutiny and Sunderland’s forwards in good form, fans can expect an entertaining clash under the Anfield lights.

Liverpool vs Sunderland prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is Both Teams To Score (Yes) with a 60% probability.