admin‘Really mean that’ – Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on outcome of Sunderland clash vs Liverpool
Sunderland will head to Merseyside on Wednesday night for a Premier League clash with Liverpool, and pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton are both predicting a defeat for the Black Cats at Anfield.
Sunderland travel north buoyed by their dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Bournemouth at the weekend, overturning a two-goal deficit at the Stadium of Light.
Liverpool, meanwhile, steadied themselves after a disappointing stretch of just three wins in 12 matches by claiming a 2–0 victory against West Ham at the London Stadium. Record signing Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds in that match.
Both Merson and Sutton believe Arne Slot’s struggling side will build on that positive result with another three points in mid-week.
Paul Merson’s prediction for Liverpool vs. Sunderland
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson backed Liverpool to win 2–1. He praised Sunderland’s impressive display against Bournemouth but said the Anfield hosts should still be favourites. He added that Isak would be relieved to have finally opened his scoring account.
Merson also argued that Mohamed Salah should remain on the bench, insisting the forward was dropped for a reason and that Slot should not select players based on past reputation.
He believes Liverpool will finish inside the top four and expects them to secure another victory on Wednesday.
Chris Sutton’s view on Liverpool vs. Sunderland
Sutton also forecast a 2–1 home win when speaking to BBC Sport. He admitted he incorrectly predicted Liverpool would lose to West Ham and supported the decision to leave Salah out, reiterating that no player is exempt from being dropped. Sutton also acknowledged he underestimated Sunderland last weekend.
He stated that Regis Le Bris’ team are more than capable of an upset and could surprise Liverpool at Anfield—but ultimately still tipped the home side to prevail, suggesting Liverpool cannot afford a repeat of their lacklustre performances in recent home matches against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.
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