The view from Sunderland: 'We are proud of Henderson'

After starting the season without a win in 10 league games, you’ve now won your last two. What’s been the key to your revival?

The obvious answer is Victor Anichebe. He made his first league start at Bournemouth and made an immediate impact, scoring one and earning the penalty from which Jermain Defoe scored the winner. His physicality has added an extra dimension to a team that lacked a ‘get-out ball’ previously. His ability to hold the ball up means Sunderland can play it into feet and advance 30 yards up the field.

With nearly a third of the season gone, what are your thoughts on David Moyes’ tenure so far? Has he turned a corner after a difficult start?

I think the jury is still out. He walked into a difficult situation after Sam Allardyce’s departure but has failed to build on the solid ending to last season, largely due to his business late in the transfer window. Didier Ndong has struggled in a poor side while Papy Djilobodji continues to look like an accident waiting to happen. The likes of Paddy McNair, Donald Love, Javier Manquillo and Adnan Januzaj appear squad-fillers rather than players that will strengthen the starting XI.

How can we expect you to line up?

Paddy McNair’s season-ending injury will force a change in midfield, with Moyes’ options boosted by the midweek returns of Seb Larsson and Jan Kirchhoff. Both played and scored in the U23s’ 2-0 win at Manchester United, although a lack of fitness may mean they have to settle for places on the bench. Steven Pienaar is also available after suspension. If I had to guess, this will be the starting XI: Pickford, Jones, Van Aanholt, O’Shea, Kone, Denayer, Pienaar, Ndong, Watmore, Anichebe, Defoe.

Jermain Defoe became only the eighth player to score 150 Premier League goals last weekend, and he scored a late equaliser at Anfield last season. How important is he to your hopes of getting a positive result on Saturday?

Here’s an Opta stat which answers the question perfectly – Jermain Defoe has had a hand in a higher share of his team’s league goals this term than any other player in the top four tiers. The deal which saw Sunderland swap Jozy Altidore for Defoe should be viewed as the greatest piece of business in the club’s recent history!

What’s your view on Jordan Henderson’s adaptation to his new role at the base of Liverpool’s midfield? Is there a sense of pride among Sunderland fans at seeing an Academy graduate captain his club and country this season?

Absolutely. Henderson is always afforded a warm reception when he returns to the Stadium of Light and his popularity grew even more when he was spotted cheering the lads on during the 2014 League Cup final at Wembley. Although he played in a more offensive role at Sunderland, largely wide right, his mobility and range of passing meant he was more adaptable than most.

What have you made of Liverpool in general this season?

Liverpool are probably the best side to watch in England currently. However, I am standing by my prediction that you will finish outside the top four. I think the main challengers will thrive over the next two months due to the absence of European football and I still have concerns over Liverpool’s strength in depth defensively.

Who do you regard as Liverpool’s danger man this weekend?

Philippe Coutinho is the obvious answer, but Sadio Mane has been very impressive since moving to Anfield.

And finally, your score prediction?

I’m a pessimist at the best of times but, that aside, it’s tough to see anything other than a home win. I’ll go 3-1 to Liverpool.