TEAM NEWS

Sunderland defender John O'Shea is struggling with a calf problem and could be replaced by Wes Brown, who has only made one appearance this season.

Younes Kaboul remains sidelined by a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a number of weeks.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he won't play Daniel Sturridge until he is sure the striker is fit.

Divick Origi is doubtful through injury and James Milner is still out, but Jordon Ibe has recovered from illness.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Conor McNamara: "Despite this being the most unpredictable of Premier League seasons, Sunderland are exactly where most observers expected them to be.

"Last week, in an attempt to refresh things, Sam Allardyce changed half his team but Sunderland conceded three goals in 10 minutes. Things are getting desperate.

"Liverpool are inconsistent but there's enough evidence to suggest Jurgen Klopp is not far off. Had the draw with West Brom and the defeat to Watford been wins instead, Liverpool would have started this week on the same points as Tottenham.

"Both managers face an interesting transfer window, but for now they must make the most of what they've got."

Twitter: @ConorMcNamaraIE 

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce: "We are struggling in defending terms; we aren't getting in people's faces and aren't closing the opposition down enough.

"That's definitely a factor that's been brought to light, particularly in the last two games. We must get better at it if we are to put points on the board.

"Our play out of possession is equally as important as when we have the ball."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "I think second balls will be a big thing to think about for Sunderland.

"We want to improve our situation, we want to develop, we want to get more points in this important moment in the league.

"We have to go to Sunderland and be concentrated from the first second, like we were against Leicester."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

Liverpool played well against Leicester, much more like it and they will have too much for Sunderland. Daniel Sturridge might even be available to play some part!

Lawro's full predictions v Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Liverpool are unbeaten in six Premier League matches against Sunderland (W4, D2).
• Sunderland have won just three of their 28 Premier League games against Liverpool.
• The Reds have conceded only 10 goals in their last 22 league meetings with Sunderland.

Sunderland

• Sunderland have lost four league matches in a row - they haven't lost five since April 2014.
• Sam Allardyce's side have lost six of their last eight league games (W2).
• They have won two of their last four league matches at the Stadium of Light and they only conceded two goals in those four games.
• The Black Cats have conceded a league-high 37 goals in 18 matches this season.

Liverpool

• Liverpool have lost their last two away league games and failed to score in either of them. April 2012 was the last time they lost three successive matches on the road.
• Fourteen goals have been scored in the Reds' last four away matches - an average of 3.5 goals per game.
• They have won three, drawn three and lost three on their travels so far in 2015-16.
• James Milner and Christian Benteke have both scored five Premier League goals against Sunderland - more than they have managed against any other club.