Blog: How a run of form could start against Sunderland

Travelling to league leaders Leicester City in midweek was never going to be an easy task for Liverpool and the Reds were halted by a striking masterclass from Jamie Vardy. His first effort was one of sheer class as he met the ball perfectly outside the box to unleash a half-volley that no goalkeeper would have saved. Though his second goal was not as cleanly taken, it was enough to seal the game for the home side. Our work ethic had been admirable throughout the contest and, before Vardy’s first, a goal seemed on the cards for us after growing into the game.

But the energy of Leicester, especially in the middle, where N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater pulled the strings for the Foxes, told. Leicester posed a great danger on the break as well – Vardy’s pace and the industry of Riyad Mahrez troubled us in that aspect throughout the evening – but these are two special players that, on current form, could give any team a handful of problems.

It is only onwards for the side as we regroup and rally for Saturday’s clash against Sunderland at Anfield. Quite simply, in the quest for a top-four finish, we have to start winning consecutively and the meeting with Sunderland, second-from-bottom in the league, presents a great platform to start a run of form. As we are more than halfway through the season, the time to pick up a consistent run of results is now.

Sunderland have undergone a significant transformation under Sam Allardyce, and have become a harder team to break down despite not always gaining a result, as evidenced against Manchester City in midweek. The Black Cats are a lot more rigid, compact and organised now and, with Jermain Defoe in the ranks, more than have goals in them. They are fighting for their lives to stay in the division and will have fiery bellies when they visit Anfield.

New signing Lamine Kone looked lively against City in midweek and he’ll be one to watch out for on Saturday – he has great movement and strength, which our defence will need to be alert to. Sunderland also played the majority of their game in City’s half, meaning that we may need bodies in the box frequently so as to not be overrun by the steel of the away side, personified by Lee Cattermole and Yann M’Vila. Winning that battle in the midfield will be key to our chances of victory.

Should Roberto Firmino retain his place as our lone striker, he has enough creativity in the bag to disrupt Sunderland’s defence. Philippe Coutinho could yet make his comeback from injury and if so, it would be a critically important step forward.

Jürgen Klopp will know the need for a run of good form is imperative to our goals, and this afternoon’s game represents a good opportunity to get back on the right track.

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