Will Sunderland AFC remain in the relegation zone?

Sunderland will be keen to beat off relegation when they host Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.

Sunderland have picked just 12 points from 18 matches and remain in the relegation zone but will be hoping that somehow they shake off their opponents.

After losing 4-1 to Manchester City on Boxing Day, Sunderland coach Sam Allardyce must find a way to motivate his players against a high riding Liverpool side.

The statistics and current form does not favor Allardyce at all.

First, Sunderland have picked just two points from the last six matches against Liverpool

Secondly, they have won just three times out of the 28 fixtures against Liverpool at home

Image Source: SAFC.com

In terms of injuries, Sunderland will be without team captain John O’Shea who has a calf injury as well as Sebastian Larson.

Liverpool on the other hand go into this match motivated after bringing down high riding Leicester City 1-0 on boxing day. This was the first time Leicester lost since September.

Christian Benteke who scored the lone goal against Leicester City will be the key man for Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Belgian has been outstanding this season so far and could make it two goals in a row.

Liverpool will be without Divock Origi who has a harm string injury, James Milner, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Sturridge.

Philippe Coutinho