PREVIEW | Liverpool vs Sunderland - team news, lineups, predictions

[(Liverpool F.C.) Strength]:
1. The defending champions Liverpool F.C. are currently only ranked 8th in the league table. This time playing at home, the team are determined to secure three points to improve their ranking and are highly motivated.
2. Cody Gakpo played a pivotal role in the last match by contributing both a goal and an assist to secure the victory. So far this season, with 5 goals and 4 assists across all competitions, he has been the team's most directly involved player in goal contributions.
3. Wirtz delivered a solid performance in the last match, effectively orchestrating the attack and setting up the team's opening goal.
4. Liverpool F.C. ended their previous three-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over West Ham United F.C. in their last match, and the team's form has improved.

[(Liverpool F.C.) Neutral]:
1. The last meeting between these two sides dates back to 2017, which is too distant to serve as a meaningful reference.

[(Liverpool F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic are all absent from this game due to injuries.
2. Liverpool F.C. have lost both of their last two home games, and the team's recent home performance has been poor.
3. Liverpool F.C. have scored 4 goals and conceded 10 in their last 5 matches. The team's offensive performance is poor and their defense is unstable.
4. Liverpool F.C. lost 3 of their last 4 games in AH.

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Strength]:
1. Newly-promoted Sunderland A.F.C. have performed outstandingly this season and are currently ranked 6th in the league table. In this match, the team will spare no effort to secure points to defend their current position, and they are highly motivated.
2. Enzo Le Fee scored and assisted in the last game, demonstrating an outstanding competitive form.
3. Brian Brobbey has been in good form recently. He has scored two goals and provided one assist in the last five league matches.
4. Sunderland A.F.C. achieved their first win in the last four league matches by defeating AFC Bournemouth 3-2 in their last game, and the team's form has improved.
5. Sunderland A.F.C. won 5 of their last 6 games in AH.

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Neutral]:
1. Sunderland A.F.C. have achieved 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses in their last 5 away games. The team's away performance has been average.
2. Sunderland A.F.C. have scored 8 goals and conceded 7 in their last 5 matches. The team's offensive performance is decent, but their defense is not solid enough.

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Both Ajibola Alese and Habib Diarra are absent from this game due to injuries.

[Tips]:
Liverpool F.C. won their last game, ending their losing streak and showing some improvement in form. However, the team's recent home record has been poor, and their home performance has been less than satisfactory.

Sunderland A.F.C. defeated AFC Bournemouth in their last league match, securing their first win in the last four league games and showing an improvement in form.

The AH line is -1.5 for the home side. Clearly, Liverpool F.C., who have seen a recovery in form, are more favored.

Moreover, defending champions Liverpool F.C. are significantly stronger.

So Liverpool F.C. are expected to win in this game.

[Recommended]:
Liverpool F.C. (-1.5)