Sunderland play hosts to an inform Liverpool side for their first game of 2017, off the back of a poor festive period.
David Moyes’ side have conceded seven goals in their last two games, scoring only two in return, after defeats against both Manchester United and Burnley.
The Black Cats sit third from bottom, just two points off Swansea in 20th.
The visitors, meanwhile, make the trip to the North East looking to make it five wins from their last five outings having beaten Manchester City 1-0 at Anfield on New Year’s Eve.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have once again found their free flowing, and almost terrifying form, and present the toughest of tests for Moyes.
The hosts are in desperate need of three points and, with that in mind, here is the XI that will look to take them from Liverpool today:
#SAFC make three changes to the starting XI for today’s game against @lfc… #SUNLIV pic.twitter.com/IKNMsljYHZ
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 2, 2017
A win would take the Reds to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea, who don’t play until Wednesday. Here is the XI Klopp has gone with for his first game of 2017:
Confirmed #LFC squad to face @SunderlandAFC #SUNLIV pic.twitter.com/yfBx2bKOSO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 2, 2017