Liverpool vs. Sunderland preview, English Premier League
Sunderland begin the new English Premier League season with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool this Saturday, 13th August. The Black Cats have been amongst the most active clubs in the summer transfer window, having signed ten players so far. Liverpool have also added players to their squad, bringing in four players to strengthen their squad before the new season kicks off.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has added http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Niko-Kranjcar-c27926 on a loan move.
Liverpool’s first arrival was Sunderland youngster http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221 were brought in to strengthen the midfield. Liverpool’s most recent signing is Newcastle United left-back Jose Enrique, signed for an estimated £6 million.
Both sides have high expectations for the new season and are aiming for a higher finish as compared to last season. Liverpool finished sixth on the Premier League table, missing out on both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, they will be hoping for a return to the top four. Sunderland on the other hand are looking to finish in the top six, having finished 10th last season.
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool skipper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international recovering from a groin infection. Martin Skrtel and Glenn Johnson are also believed to be unavailable for selection for the Black Cats clash.
While http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alberto-Aquilani-c4313 are not expected to start, they could be brought on as substitutes later on in the game. Both were linked with an Anfield exit during the summer, but have given an impressive performance during pre-season.
Maxi Rodriguez showed an improvement towards the end of last season and could be rewarded this season by Dalglish. However, it seems highly unlikely that the 30-year-old Argentine will be given a start this Saturday.
Kenny Dalglish revealed earlier on that he planned to start Henderson against his former side. The 21-year-old midfielder said he was looking forward to facing his former side in the opening fixture of the new Premier League season.
Henderson said in an interview:
It's a big game but I've just got to treat it like any other one.
All of my family and friends are Sunderland supporters and will all want them to win but I'm a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 player now and I'm looking forward to playing for them.”
Sunderland
John O’Shea the former Manchester United defender has been ruled out of the trip to Liverpool with a hamstring injury and will be replaced by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Titus-Bramble-c35166. The former West Ham United defender revealed he was confident in his side’s ability to secure a decent result at Anfield, especially with the quality signings they had made during the transfer window.
Ferdinand said:
“We’ve got a good enough squad to go there and get something.
We’ve got players who can do damage to them, the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/ASA-c38494 and Sessegnon are quality players.
We’ve got a strong turning central midfield as well, whoever plays in there.”
Sebastian Larsson, Wes Brown and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Asamoah-Gyan-c6791, who will be the lone striker. Stephane Sessegnon will play as a second striker or playmaker, having been highly impressive in that role during pre-season.
Possible Line-ups
Liverpool
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dirk-Kuyt-c11348, Andy Carroll
Sunderland
Simon Mignolet; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lee-Cattermole-c21868, Sebastian Larrson; Stephane Sessegnon, Asamoah Gyan
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