Liverpool have returned to confident play in a big way. After defeating OSC Lille 3-0 in their return Europa League fixture, Fernando
Torres had the fortitude to score first on
Manchester United in their weekend derby match that ended 2-1 in Manchester's favor. The loss can be attributed to United's strength as a club as well as home team advantage and in no way reflects the weaknesses of Liverpool's current performance. The Reds are now 11-2-2 at Anfield and will not bow for a team like Sunderland. Rafael
Benitez knows that he must secure a Top Four finish if he wants to keep his job and will therefore take no risks with an attacking formation to ensure 3 points.
With several good recent performances,
Sunderland are safely in the middle of the table and have a nice cushion between them and relegation territory. They have gone 2-2-1 in their past 5 matches, losing only away to Arsenal and beating Birmingham and Bolton by wide margins. Most notable was a 1-1 draw with stacked Manchester City, who are also currently seeking a top four finish. The big problem for the Black Cats has been their road performance this season. With a 1-3-10 record, they just can not seem to achieve any kind of consistency while away.
Sunderland won the prequel to this match in October by a mere 1-0 margin. Darren Bent's 5' goal would ultimately decide the match at the Stadium of Light and outlined Liverpool's ineffectiveness without their star striker, Fernando Torres. It seems, however, that the young spaniard is seeking to make up for lost time.
Torres has scored 5 times in the last 3 games and given the chance will put this match beyond question with his speed and skill on the ball.
Liverpool FC vs Sunderland AFC
Sunday March 28, 2010
Kickoff: 7:45 PM (GMT)
Venue: Anfield Road (Liverpool)
Tip: Liverpool -1.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.92 @ Bet365
