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Sunderland vs Liverpool Preview: Team News & Prediction

by Alex Lawes · February 9 2026, 15:01
Sunderland vs Liverpool Preview: Team News & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Sunderland remain unbeaten at the Stadium of Light as they now welcome the defending champions Liverpool up to Wearside in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – NBC 

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – Peacock & Universo

Sunderland team news: Not yet for Xhaka

Key man and club captain Granit Xhaka isn’t expected to return to full fitness until the end of this month, with new signing Jocelin Ta Bi also not yet ready for the hosts.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete; Hume, Sadiki, Diarra, Reinildo; Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey

Unavailable: Xhaka (Injured), Ta Bi (Fitness)

Questionable: Traore (Injured)

Liverpool team news: Szoboszlai suspended

Dominik Szoboszlai is now missing through suspension and that causes issues for Liverpool at right-back with both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong also sidelined, while Joe Gomez remains a doubt.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Unavailable: Leoni (Injured), Bradley (Injured), Frimpong (Injured), Szoboszlai (Suspended), Isak (Injured)

Questionable: Gomez (Injured)

Sunderland vs Liverpool prediction

With draws against Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa, Sunderland have perhaps dealt with their toughest tasks at the Stadium of Light this season. Their 3-0 win over Burnley last week reignited hopes of a European push in the spring, albeit they were pegged back by suffering a 3-0 loss to the Gunners at the Emirates the other day.

They now face a Liverpool side that took a late lead against Manchester City at Anfield the other day, courtesy of a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, but they eventually suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to the Cityzens with Szoboszlai then sent off in bizarre and controversial circumstances deep into second-half stoppage-time.

Liverpool will be aware of the force of Sunderland at home and the Black Cats will fancy themselves to again get at and bloody the nose of the Reds, and siding with the hosts would appear good value once again.

Sunderland vs Liverpool tip: Double chance – Sunderland to win or draw

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