Sunderland vs. Liverpool preview, kick-off time and team news

Sunderland and Liverpool meet under the midweek lights at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, 11 February, with both camps acknowledging that a swift response is essential after recent setbacks. Kick-off is set for 8:15 pm UK time in the 49,000-capacity venue, where the Black Cats have built a reputation for resilience this season.

Head coach Regis Le Bris will welcome counterpart Arne Slot to Wearside, pitting Sunderland’s sturdy home form against Liverpool’s proven attacking firepower. The hosts have been difficult to break down on their own patch, yet the visitors’ quality in the final third suggests a tight contest is in store.

Team news is mixed for both sides. Sunderland remain without Granit Xhaka and Jocelin Ta Bi as the pair continue to recover from ankle problems, while winger Bertrand Traore will be given a late fitness check before a final decision is made. Liverpool, meanwhile, are dealing with a lengthier absentee list: Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez are all ruled out through injury, and Dominik Szoboszlai will serve a suspension that keeps him on Merseyside.

With Sunderland’s disciplined home record colliding against Liverpool’s need for points, the balance of play could tilt on a single moment of quality. A narrow away victory is viewed as the most probable outcome, yet Le Bris’s organised side will believe they can frustrate the Reds and claim a statement result on Wearside.