Liverpool vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News

Liverpool return to Anfield on Wednesday night aiming to build momentum after snapping a three-match losing streak.

Arne Slot’s champions eased the mounting pressure with a vital 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday. Now, they face a stern test against a Sunderland side that continues to defy expectations. The Black Cats sit 7th in the table—one place above Liverpool—and arrive on Merseyside buoyed by a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth.

Liverpool vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2025
Kick-off: 8:15 pm GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Referee: Stuart Attwell
VAR: Timothy Wood
Last Meeting: Sunderland 2-2 Liverpool, 2 January 2017, Premier League

Team News

Liverpool

Arne Slot is navigating a defensive injury crisis on the right flank. With Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both ruled out until mid-December, Joe Gomez is expected to continue as a makeshift right-back. In attack, Alexander Isak is set to lead the line again after netting his first league goal for the Reds. Mohamed Salah, who has been benched recently, is pushing for a recall as he chases a goalscoring record against promoted sides.

Sunderland

Régis Le Bris has a relatively healthy squad but is without key playmaker Habib Diarra due to a groin injury. In addition, defender Aji Alese remains sidelined. There is a potential change up front, with Brian Brobbey pushing for his first top-flight start after scoring off the bench at the weekend. Consequently, the manager may shift to a more defensive formation, bringing in Lutsharel Geertruida.

Form

Liverpool

The 2-0 win at West Ham was a stabilising result for Liverpool, ending a run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions. The result moved them up to 8th. Crucially, they have won their last 12 Premier League matches against newly promoted clubs. However, their recent home form has been shaky, having lost two of their last three at Anfield.

Sunderland

Sunderland are the season’s surprise package, sitting 7th with 19 points. Their 3-2 win over Bournemouth showcased their resilience. Despite this, their away games have been low-scoring affairs, featuring the fewest total goals of any side on the road this season. They face a daunting task at Anfield, where they haven’t won since 1983.