Sunderland will be aiming to start 2017 with a bang when they entertain Liverpool on Monday at the Stadium of Light (KO 3pm).
The Black Cats were left battered and bruised on New Year’s Eve as Burnley romped to a 4-1 win at Turf Moor, with Andre Gray scoring his first Premier League hat-trick as defensive blunders cost the lads dear.
Ashley Barnes completed the scoring from the penalty spot before Jermain Defoe scored his 20th goal of 2016, and the striker will once again be key to Sunderland’s success as they embark on a New Year with survival in their sights.
Liverpool, meanwhile, sealed a big win over Manchester City at Anfield to ensure the gap between the Reds and leaders Chelsea remained just six points.
Gini Wijnaldum, who moved to Merseyside from Newcastle United in August, opened the scoring with a bullet header, but it will be the usual suspects who provide the main threat when Jurgen Klopp’s side come to town.
Sadio Mane – soon to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations – Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi have all starred in recent weeks, with Daniel Sturridge also making an impact.
And although the Liverpool manager ruled Phillipe Coutinho out of Monday’s game, one wouldn’t be surprised to see the diminutive Brazilian named in the squad after returning to training.
Summer signing and defensive mainstay Joel Matip remains in the treatment room.
Sunderland are likely to be without Victor Anichebe, who suffered a hamstring injury at Turf Moor, with Lamine Kone also a doubt after coming off in the opening 45 minutes.
Jason Denayer missed the trip to Burnley due to a hamstring injury but he could return, with David Moyes revealing that no damage was found following a scan.
Jordan Pickford, Lee Cattermole, Jan Kirchhoff, Paddy McNair, Lynden Gooch and Duncan Watmore remained sidelined.
The last meeting between the two sides came in November as Divock Origi provided the difference in a narrow success for the Reds.
Sunderland defended well and were resolute at the back and it took until the 75th minute for Klopp’s side to edge ahead, with the Belgian curling a superfluous finish beyond Pickford before James Milner converted from the spot.
Moyes will be hoping his side can go one step beyond this around, and dent the Reds’ ever-increasing title credentials.
Ticket information for Monday’s game is available by clicking here.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will also be ON AIR from 1pm.