Sunderland vs. Liverpool: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More
By
(Featured Columnist) on March 6, 2012
Clive Mason/Getty Images
After a disappointing defeat to Arsenal last weekend, Liverpool return to Premier League play against Sunderland in an important match on Saturday.
With the defeat to Arsenal, Liverpool now find themselves 10 points from the top four as the goal of Champions League football now seems unattainable.
Sunderland sit tied for 12th in the league table and have not won in their last three league matches, with two defeats and a draw in that time.
Both teams need the three points at stake this weekend as they look to turn around their seasons. Let's look at everything you need to know about this exciting Premier League matchup.
Where: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
Watch: Fox Soccer Plus
Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2 Go
When: Saturday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Most Important Player To Watch: Luis Suarez
Clive Mason/Getty Images
After failing to capitalize on his several quality scoring opportunities last week against Arsenal, Luis Suarez will have to be better this weekend against Sunderland.
Suarez has not played well since his return from an eight-match ban in February, and also did not play well against Cardiff City in the Carling Cup Final.
Suarez has to be effective in the Reds' attack because the club is having a lot of trouble scoring goals right now. Liverpool have not scored more than one goal in a league game since late January and must be better in front of goal to start winning games and drawing.
Key Matchup: Sunderland Attack vs. Liverpool Defense
Since Liverpool is having enormous troubles scoring goals, their defense will have to again rise to the challenge against Sunderland.
Will Liverpool defeat Sunderland?
· Yes
77.5%
· No
22.5%
Total votes: 71
The Reds have allowed 25 goals this season in league play, the second fewest of all clubs. If they defend well, the Reds will likely win.
However, asking your defense to be perfect every match because your attacking players cannot score is not a winning formula, and puts way too much pressure on the back four.
An early goal for Sunderland would give them an excellent chance of taking at least one point from this match.
What They're Saying
Liverpool center back Jamie Carragher talked about losing his place in the starting XI, saying via Soccernet:
I can't lie, it has been difficult at times, but I've said it loads of times in interviews: you have to be respectful to the manager and the other players. Privately at times I'm frustrated but that's because I'm a footballer, I want to play and I'm passionate—I wouldn't be here in the first place otherwise.
But I realise this happens to everyone at a certain age. It also reminds me what I've done. I've played for Liverpool's first-team pretty much every week for 16 years.
Prediction: Liverpool Win 2-0
Liverpool's fantastic defensive record should not be damaged at all against a Sunderland attack that have only scored 35 goals in league play and have no legitimate attacking threats for the Reds to worry about.
Liverpool have to get a positive result from this match. If they play at the level they did against Arsenal, the Reds will earn three points from this match.
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