Tactical preview: What to expect from Sunderland
Ahead of today's Premier League clash with Sunderland, football writer Paul Wilkes' has analysed what Liverpool can expect tactically from the Black Cats.
Sunderland have lifted themselves off the bottom of the table after back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Hull City. David Moyes' team had earned just two points from their previous 10 matches this term.
The former Everton and Manchester United manager has made numerous rotations to his side in search of his best XI. Six of the players that started the opening game of the season against Manchester City weren't involved in the 3-0 victory over Hull last weekend.
However, a major reason for the consistent changes have been injuries. Combative midfielder Lee Catermole was ruled out for four months last week, whilst Paddy McNair's knee problem is likely to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.
Moyes has also frequently adopted different formations, with 4-5-1 used against Bournemouth and 4-2-3-1 against Hull. As Liverpool have the second highest possession ratio in the Premier League and Sunderland the third lowest, it's likely that the away side will prefer to pack the centre of the pitch in a more conservative five-man midfield.
Jordan Pickford replaced Vito Mannone as goalkeeper after the latter suffered from an elbow injury in August. The 22-year-old has dealt with the added responsibility well and has impressed with his shot-stopping ability from close range.
Billy Jones will probably start at right-back ahead of former Red Javier Manquillo, while Patrick van Aanholt likes to attack from the opposite side. The Dutchman is Sunderland's only scorer in the league within the squad outside of the forwards, which illustrates their issues in front of goal. Papy Djilobodji is suspended, so John O'Shea could partner Lamine Kone in the centre of defence.
Didier Ndong, Jack Rodwell and Steven Piennar are amongst the contenders for a central midfield role, while Jason Denayer will face a late fitness test. Jan Kirchhoff and Seb Larsson are back in training and may play some part after recovering from recent ailments.
Jermain Defoe has seven league goals this term and Victor Anichebe has impressed with three goals in his last two Premier League outings.
Anichebe's pace and passing capability from the left has added another dimension to the Black Cats' attack.