Sunderland vs Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview, 11 February

Sunderland vs Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview, 11 February. This Premier League clash is set to take place at the iconic Stadium of Light on Wednesday, 11 February. As Sunderland host Liverpool, both teams will be eager to secure vital points in their respective campaigns. Sunderland, looking to climb the league table, face a challenging opponent in Liverpool, who are consistently vying for top positions.

The Stadium of Light will provide a vibrant atmosphere as Sunderland aim to leverage their home advantage against a formidable Liverpool side. With the Premier League’s competitive nature, every match is crucial, and this encounter promises to be no different. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Sunderland can upset the odds against Liverpool, or if the visitors will continue their pursuit of league success.

Sunderland vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.72

Considering Sunderland’s strong home form and Liverpool’s attacking prowess but inconsistent defence, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score’. Sunderland’s unbeaten home record and Liverpool’s ability to find the net, despite their defensive lapses, suggest that goals will come from both sides.

• Sunderland have not lost at home this season, showing they can score and maintain pressure.
• Liverpool have scored in their last several away games, even against strong opponents.
• Both teams are dealing with key absentees, affecting defensive solidity and increasing the likelihood of goals from both ends.

Betting Odds

Liverpool head into this Premier League clash as strong favourites with betting odds of 1.72, reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Sunderland, playing at home at the Stadium of Light, are priced at 4.65, offering a tempting return for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Sunderland to win	4.65
Draw	3.83
Liverpool to win	1.72

The draw is set at 3.83, which might attract punters expecting a tighter contest. Given Liverpool’s attacking prowess, betting markets are also eyeing the over 2.5 goals and both teams to score as potential opportunities.

Sunderland Analysis & Past Performance

Sunderland’s recent form has been mixed, with the team securing three wins and suffering two losses in their last five matches. Notably, they demonstrated resilience with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Burnley at home, but their away form remains a concern, highlighted by the recent 0-3 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Arsenal	Sunderland	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Feb 2026
Sunderland	Burnley	3 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	2 Feb 2026
West Ham	Sunderland	3 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Everton	Sunderland	N/A	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Offensively, Sunderland have averaged 2.00 goals per game over the past five league fixtures, showcasing their attacking capabilities, particularly at home where they remain unbeaten. However, defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.60 goals per game, a statistic that underscores the need for greater solidity at the back. Their one clean sheet in the last five matches indicates room for improvement in defensive organisation.

Sunderland’s home performance is a key strength, with a 60% win ratio at the Stadium of Light over the last five home games, suggesting they thrive in familiar surroundings. Their ability to score consistently in four out of the last five matches positions them as a formidable attacking unit, particularly through their top scorer Brian Brobbey, who has netted five times this season. Overall, their standing at 9th in the league reflects mid-table stability, but improving defensive metrics could enhance their prospects.

• LWLWW

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland face a challenging situation with injuries affecting key players ahead of their clash with Liverpool. Daniel Ballard is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to return by mid-December 2023. His absence in defence might weaken their backline, although with players like Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete available, Sunderland have capable replacements to fill the void.

Bertrand Traoré and Granit Xhaka are also out due to injuries, impacting Sunderland’s options in midfield and attack. Traoré’s knee injury will keep him out until late February 2026, while Xhaka’s ankle injury has a similar timeline. The absence of these players means Sunderland may have to rely more on the likes of Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée to drive the team’s midfield creativity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel Ballard	Hamstring Injury	Mid December 2023
Bertrand Traoré	Knee Injury	Late February 2026
Granit Xhaka	Ankle Injury	Late February 2026

With these injuries, Sunderland’s tactical approach might lean towards a more conservative setup to compensate for the lack of depth in certain positions. This could influence betting odds, as their chances against a formidable Liverpool side may be viewed as diminished due to these key absences.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s key player, Brian Brobbey, stands as the top scorer with five goals, embodying the attacking prowess needed to challenge Liverpool’s defence. Brobbey’s ability to find space and exploit defensive weaknesses could be pivotal. His presence as the lone forward means he will be crucial in converting any chances presented by the midfield.

In midfield, Enzo Le Fée and Habib Diarra are essential to orchestrating play. Le Fée’s vision and passing range will be vital in breaking down Liverpool’s defence, while Diarra’s energy and ball-winning abilities provide balance. Defensively, Nordi Mukiele’s role will be critical in maintaining a solid backline and initiating counter-attacks.

Expected lineup for Sunderland

• Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
• Defence: Reinildo, Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete
• Midfield: Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi
• Forward: Brian Brobbey

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
• Defensive Setup: Five-man backline for enhanced solidity
• Recent Performance: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on defensive resilience and counter-attacks.

Sunderland’s 5-4-1 formation is crafted for defensive solidity, featuring a robust five-man backline. This setup, with Reinildo and Omar Alderete flanking central defenders Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, and Daniel Ballard, aims to minimise space for opponents, crucial against the attacking prowess of Liverpool.

In midfield, the dynamic quartet of Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, and Chemsdine Talbi seek to disrupt Liverpool’s play and transition quickly from defence to attack. The midfield’s role is pivotal in supporting the lone striker, Brian Brobbey, who is the team’s top scorer with five goals.

Offensively, Sunderland’s strategy capitalises on counter-attacks, leveraging Brobbey’s pace and physicality. Despite a recent 0-3 defeat to Arsenal, this formation offers a balance between defensive resilience and the potential to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

Liverpool Analysis & Past Performance

Liverpool have demonstrated mixed recent form, securing three wins and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions. They were victorious against Newcastle (4-1) and Qarabag FK (6-0), showcasing their attacking prowess. However, their 1-2 defeat against Manchester City highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Liverpool	Manchester City	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	8 Feb 2026
Liverpool	Newcastle	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	31 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Qarabag FK	6 – 0 (Win)	Champions League	28 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Liverpool	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	24 Jan 2026
Marseille	Liverpool	0 – 3 (Win)	Champions League	21 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Liverpool’s attack has been formidable, averaging 3.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures. They have managed to score in every match, illustrating a consistent offensive threat. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per match, with two clean sheets in the same period, indicating some level of defensive resilience but room for improvement.

Liverpool’s away performance indicates a more cautious approach, with two wins, one loss, and two draws in their last five away matches. Their away goals average stands at 1.60, contrasting with their higher overall scoring average. This suggests a more conservative playstyle on the road, potentially focusing on securing points rather than outright dominance.

• LWWLW

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool face significant challenges with key players injured as they prepare to face Sunderland. The absence of Joël Matip due to a cruciate ligament injury is a major blow to their defensive stability. With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong also sidelined, Liverpool’s defensive options are limited, potentially forcing a tactical reshuffle. Curtis Jones might be pushed into a more defensive role, altering the usual dynamic of the midfield.

In midfield, the absence of Stefan Bajcetic with a hamstring injury further complicates Liverpool’s setup. This could see additional pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to control the game’s tempo and provide defensive cover. The lack of depth might lead to a more conservative approach from coach Arne Slot, focusing on maintaining possession to shield their weakened defence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joël Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring injury	Early May 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Conor Bradley	Knee injury	Out for the season
Joe Gomez	Knock	Doubtful
Jeremie Frimpong	Muscle injury	Late February 2026

Liverpool’s forward line remains intact with Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitiké leading the attack. The unavailability of Alexander Isak, however, reduces their options off the bench, potentially affecting late-game strategies. With Joe Gomez doubtful due to a knock, Liverpool’s defensive resilience will be tested, possibly influencing betting markets towards a higher-scoring encounter.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by Hugo Ekitiké, who is currently the team’s top scorer with ten goals this season. Ekitiké’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant threat to opposition defences. His ability to exploit spaces and his sharp instincts in the box are vital for Liverpool’s offensive strategy.

In midfield, Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister play pivotal roles. Salah, often operating from the right, combines pace with skill, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Mac Allister’s vision and passing ability are crucial in dictating the tempo of the game and linking play between defence and attack. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk’s presence adds solidity and leadership at the back, while his aerial strength is an asset during set-pieces.

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defence: Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konaté, Curtis Jones
• Midfield: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo
• Forward: Hugo Ekitiké

The tactical impact of these key players is significant. Ekitiké’s positioning allows Liverpool to stretch the opposition, creating spaces for Salah and Gakpo to exploit. Van Dijk’s defensive prowess ensures a robust backline, which is essential in maintaining balance while the team push forward. The strengths of these players, particularly their attacking and defensive contributions, are likely to influence the match’s outcome.

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Ekitiké
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows for a balanced approach, combining defensive stability with offensive dynamism. The midfield pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister is pivotal, offering both protection to the backline and creative support to the attack. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz form a dynamic trio behind Hugo Ekitiké, providing versatility and goal-scoring threats.

Defensively, the presence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in central defence offers strength and composure, supported by the youthful energy of Milos Kerkez and Curtis Jones as full-backs. Despite recent injuries to key players like Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, Liverpool have managed to secure two clean sheets in their last five matches, highlighting their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Liverpool’s strategy focuses on high pressing and exploiting quick transitions, often looking to capitalise on the pace and skill of Salah and Gakpo. This approach has been effective, as evidenced by their average of 3.20 goals scored per game in recent matches.

Sunderland vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record

Sunderland and Liverpool have faced off 30 times, with Liverpool dominating the head-to-head record with 16 wins compared to Sunderland’s three, alongside 11 draws. Their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield in December 2025, showcasing Sunderland’s ability to snatch a point away from home.

The last time Sunderland hosted Liverpool at the Stadium of Light was back in January 2017, which also ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite Liverpool’s strong overall record, Sunderland have managed to hold their own at home in recent meetings, making this upcoming fixture an intriguing one.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Liverpool	Sunderland	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-12-03
Sunderland	Liverpool	2 – 2	Premier League	2017-01-02
Liverpool	Sunderland	2 – 0	Premier League	2016-11-26
Liverpool	Sunderland	2 – 2	Premier League	2016-02-06
Sunderland	Liverpool	0 – 1	Premier League	2015-12-30