SUNDERLAND, UK – Liverpool travels to the Stadium of Light on seeking to rebound from a heartbreaking defeat to Manchester City, but face a challenging fixture against a Sunderland side eager to continue their impressive home form. The match presents a significant test for Arne Slot’s squad, particularly in light of recent injuries and a suspension to key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Sunday’s 2-1 loss to City at Anfield was a cruel blow for the Reds, who led through Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick before a late collapse saw Bernardo Silva equalize and Erling Haaland secure the win for the champions from the penalty spot. The defeat highlighted a growing trend for Liverpool – conceding late goals – with the team now having surrendered four goals in the 90th minute or later this season, equaling the Premier League record set by Watford in 2017-18 and 2021-22, West Ham in 2021-22, and Southampton in 2024-25.
Adding to Slot’s woes is the suspension of Szoboszlai, who was sent off in the 113th minute for a foul on Haaland. The Hungarian will now miss the Sunderland match, creating a significant void in midfield and, unexpectedly, at right-back. Szoboszlai had been deployed in the unfamiliar role due to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez.
The situation at right-back is particularly acute. While Gomez is back in training after a three-week absence, Slot expressed caution about rushing him back into the starting lineup. “He is back from being out for three weeks, would you play him now?” Slot questioned. “I have to make that decision. Let’s see what decision we make. We have other players that can play that position as well.”
Curtis Jones is the most likely candidate to fill the right-back position, with Andy Robertson expected to continue on the left. Wataru Endo is another option, though he is primarily a midfielder. Robertson could potentially shift to left-back, allowing Milos Kerkez a rest, but that would further complicate the right-back situation.
Liverpool’s recent form has been patchy, with just one Premier League win in their last seven matches (D4 L2). They currently sit in sixth place in the league table, five points behind Manchester United in fourth, making Wednesday’s match crucial in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Sunderland, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their strong home record. They have proven a difficult opponent for many teams this season, and will be eager to add Liverpool to the list of scalps. The Black Cats and the Reds played out a 1-1 draw earlier this season at Anfield, with a Nordi Mukiele own goal rescuing a point for Liverpool.
The match at the Stadium of Light represents a significant challenge for Liverpool, not only due to Sunderland’s home advantage but also due to the team’s current injury situation and Szoboszlai’s suspension. Slot will need to find a solution to the right-back problem and inspire his team to rediscover their winning form if they are to secure a vital three points and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
The Reds have just one Premier League win in their last seven games, and the quick turnaround between fixtures will test the depth of Slot’s squad. The team will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical flexibility to overcome a Sunderland side that will undoubtedly be motivated to cause an upset.
Liverpool’s struggles this season have been compounded by their tendency to concede late goals. Addressing this defensive vulnerability will be paramount as they head into the final stretch of the campaign. A win against Sunderland would not only provide a much-needed boost in confidence but also demonstrate the team’s ability to close out games and grind out results.
The match also offers an opportunity for players to step up and fill the void left by Szoboszlai’s suspension. Whether it’s Jones, Endo, or even a surprisingly early return for Gomez, someone will need to seize the moment and deliver a performance that helps Liverpool secure a positive result.
