Liverpool v Sunderland preview

Liverpool welcome Sunderland to Anfield on Saturday hoping to record three successive Premier League wins for the first time since April.

Brendan Rodgers’ team conceded the first goal at Leicester in midweek but recovered to record a 3-1 win and move up into eighth in the standings.                         

All eyes will be on Steven Gerrard, who scored at the King Power Stadium, as Rodgers manages the former England skipper’s workload in the build up to a very important week for the club.

Liverpool must beat Basel on Tuesday to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League and go to Manchester United in the Premier League the following Sunday.

Ed Chamberlin previews Liverpool v Sunderland

Sunderland travel to Merseyside on the back of tough home fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City and are just two points clear of the relegation places after four games without a win.

And while their last two outings on the road have yielded four points, including a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace, Sunderland have never won at Anfield in the Premier League.

Team news

Rodgers: Balotelli still an important player

Rodgers may be tempted to rest Gerrard with the next two fixtures in mind and that may spell a recall to the starting line-up for Philippe Coutinho, who has recovered from a knee problem.

Left-back Jose Enrique could also return as he continues his reintegration to the first-team group after a knee operation.

Winger Adam Johnson and defender Wes Brown are set to return for Sunderland.

Adam Lallana: Also scored at Leicester

Both missed Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Manchester City with minor knocks but manager Gus Poyet is likely to restore the former England internationals to his starting line-up.

On-loan defender Sebastian Coates is ineligible to face his parent club, while striker Steven Fletcher's participation is unlikely after he sustained a back injury against City.

Merson’s predictions

"Sunderland got the run-around against Man City and really worked their socks off for a draw against Chelsea last weekend. I think this will be one game too far for them, their third game in a week. Liverpool weren’t great against Leicester, but they won and they’ve had two wins on the trot and the Black Cats have had to work too hard recently."

Sunderland: One win in the last seven games

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 11/2)

Opta Facts

Liverpool have won five and lost just one of the last nine Premier League meetings with Sunderland.

Sunderland have won none of their last 15 league trips to Anfield (D7 L8).

Gus Poyet still believes Chelsea are stronger than Man City, despite this week’s results against them

No English player has scored more Premier League goals in 2014 than Steven Gerrard (13; level with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge).

The Liverpool captain has scored one and assisted three more in his last three league games against Sunderland.

Liverpool’s players have made 20 errors leading directly to a goal or attempt this season, more than any other side.