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An all-Premier League clash awaits at Geodis Park in the United States as Liverpool take on Sunderland in a friendly on Saturday night.
This will be the Reds' first game under new manager Andoni Iraola, after the ex-Bournemouth boss replaced the departed Arne Slot.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have already got their pre-season preparations underway, beating newly-promoted League Two side York City 5-1.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland key stats
- Liverpool are winless in four games (D2, L2).
- Sunderland are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions (W3, D2).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in the last 12 H2Hs (W7, D5).
Liverpool vs. Sunderland preview: Black Cats to frustrate Reds?
Liverpool vs Sunderland — Tale of the Tape
| Liverpool | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | Position | 7th |
| 60 | Points | 54 |
| 63 | Goals For | 42 |
| 53 | Goals Against | 48 |
| 10 | Clean Sheets | 11 |
| 5th | Home / Away Rank | 13th |
Liverpool will be hoping for a better season under Iraola after making a weak attempt to defend their Premier League crown.
They only qualified for the Champions League by virtue of fifth place qualifying, and won no silverware.
The squad is weaker than last campaign too, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson departing and only Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz of note coming in.
Jacquet has been named in the squad and could make his debut, but Munoz is absent from it alongside the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley, who are longer-term absentees.
At the time of writing, Sunderland have not announced an official squad for their US tour, which also includes games against Leeds United and Wrexham.
Jenson Seelt continues to miss out through injury, but new signing Thomas Meunier could feature for the Black Cats.
Regis Le Bris did an incredible job last season, qualifying Sunderland for Europa League football in their first campaign back in the Premier League.
They have shown they can get results against traditional powerhouses like Liverpool, and after a thumping victory in their opening friendly against York City, they will fancy themselves against the Reds.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland form guide & betting tips
| Liverpool | vs | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
WLDLD |
Form | DDWWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 11 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 4 |
N/A |
Friendlies | W |
Whispers predicts: Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland
Liverpool are 11/21 (1.52) favourites to win, but given Sunderland's superior form and the fact they are further ahead in pre-season, we are backing Double chance – Draw/Sunderland at 6/4 (2.50).
BTTS – Yes at 8/11 (1.73) is our next pick, which has come through in both teams' last three games in all competitions.
Under 2.5 goals at 7/5 (2.30) is our final punt, with key players missing from both sides, especially in attacking areas, due to playing in the World Cup.
Overall, we are predicting a 1-1 draw, which is available at 17/2 (9.50).
> BTTS – Yes at 8/11 (1.73) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 7/5 (2.30) | Likelihood: Possible
> Double chance – Draw/Sunderland at 6/4 (2.50) | Likelihood: Possible