Liverpool vs Sunderland - Betting Tips & Predictions.

Anfield 03 December - 20:15

Liverpool

Sunderland

Recommended tip Draw

1: 1.37 X: 5.25 2: 7.10

1: 1.36 X: 5.00 2: 8.00

1: 1.36 X: 5.50 2: 7.00

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Right then, it’s midweek theatre at Anfield as Liverpool prepare to roll out the red carpet for Sunderland on Wednesday night. This one matters — not just for bragging rights but for momentum. The Reds are scrapping to climb back into contention, while the Black Cats have been the surprise package, capable of turning up and nicking a result against anyone.

Form tells a story of bruises and bounce-backs: Liverpool have dropped points at home this season and travel talk suggests fragility, whereas Sunderland are riding a wave of resilience. Our Predictions and Tips are built on that balance — attacking intent versus defensive steel — and we’ve run the numbers with the bookies to see where the value lies. If you’re checking out the best football betting sites for odds and markets, don’t back blindly; pick the angle.

There’s also the psychological layer. Klopp’s old guard has given way to Arne Slot’s new ideas, while Sunderland’s recruitment has quietly improved them into a side that doesn’t fear the big stage. Expect heat, graft and a few VAR groans before the final whistle.

Odds and Predictions

The market has Liverpool as clear favourites — and why wouldn’t they be on paper? Bookmakers have the hosts short, but those odds hide the story of home defeats earlier in the season. When we talk about odds, what the market is doing is reflecting both reputation and recent form; in this case reputation still gives the Reds the edge.

That said, the available lines create opportunity. Sunderland’s price for a draw or a narrow win looks appealing, particularly given their run of one defeat in six in the league. Our predictions lean towards a shared pot of points. Expect goals at both ends — the Black Cats love to get forward and Liverpool can be porous when their midfield isn’t clicking.

For punters wanting a headline tip: back the draw as a sensible play — it captures the likelihood of Liverpool’s unpredictability and Sunderland’s stubbornness. If you’re chasing a bigger payday, consider Sunderland double chance; the odds tilt in the visitors’ favour for value once you factor injuries and rotation.

And a word on markets — correct score and both-teams-to-score are the two markets I favour here. Our top betting Tips include a draw with goals and a goal for Granit Xhaka at longer value, reflecting Sunderland’s set-piece threat and Liverpool’s occasional susceptibility from crosses.

Comparison and Statistics

These sides haven’t met in the Premier League for eight years, so modern H2H history is thin. That makes form and current-season metrics even more important. Looking at head to head in recent friendlies and cup games, there’s nothing to suggest Sunderland will be cowed.

Statistically Liverpool have been inconsistent: five defeats in eight across all competitions and several games where they’ve conceded soft goals. Sunderland, meanwhile, have conceded fewer than you might expect for a newly competitive side, and both teams have scored in four of Sunderland’s last five matches. Those numbers point to a match that’s open and likely to see both teams on the scoresheet.

Momentum is an underrated stat. Sunderland’s run — including results against established top-six sides — gives them belief. Liverpool’s momentum is more stop-start; the West Ham win provided respite, but pockets of poor defensive displays have cost them. In short: H2H is neutral, form and metrics tilt slightly towards a cagey, high-scoring draw.

Key numbers to watch: Liverpool’s home losses this season, Sunderland’s recent away resilience, and both teams’ propensity to find the net. All of which support our predictions that the scoreline will be tight and eventful.

Expected Line-ups

Slot and the staff at Liverpool might be tempted to stick with what worked at the London Stadium, but rotation is inevitable with a packed schedule. Expect Alisson to start in goal with a back four of Gomez, Konaté, Van Dijk and Kerkez. In midfield, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai should operate as the core, with Wirtz and Gakpo providing width and Isak leading the line.

On the Sunderland side, there are real reasons to be excited. Roefs will likely keep his place between the sticks behind a defence marshalled by Mukiele, Geertruida and Ballard with Alderete offering cover. Midfield will see Xhaka pulling the strings alongside Sadiki and Le Fee, while Traoré and Brobbey provide the direct outlet up front.

Injuries and suspensions matter: Sunderland will definitely miss Aji Alese and Habib Diarra, and that forces them to be pragmatic with personnel. Liverpool have options on the bench — and that could be the difference in the final 20 minutes if the Reds press for a winner.

Tactically, expect Slot to set Liverpool up to dominate possession and use overlaps from the full-backs, whereas Sunderland will sit a touch deeper, invite pressure and hit on the counter. That setup is exactly why our prediction skews towards a draw with goals.

How Will the Season Pan Out

One midweek result won’t define either campaign, but it will say a lot. A positive result for Liverpool could kickstart a proper climb back into the Champions League places; another slip, and questions will multiply around defence and squad depth. For Sunderland, a point at Anfield would be a statement that they aren’t here to make up numbers — and it would cement them as dark horses for European contention in the longer term if that run continues.

Looking at the bigger picture, Liverpool need consistency to challenge for top-four spots. Their squad has talent but also holes that show over a long campaign. Sunderland, by contrast, are building slowly; if their recruitment keeps delivering and Xhaka continues to boss the midfield, they could be a real nuisance across the season.

From a betting perspective, these are the matches that shape markets: a draw here tightens the mid-table battle and could send Liverpool hunting players in January. Sunderland, meanwhile, would take belief and more favourable odds in future fixtures after a result like this.

Final word: expect entertainment, expect grit, and expect a point apiece. If you’re shopping around for value make sure to compare odds across markets before staking — and remember the small print. For more insight, check our guides on football betting sites to find the markets that suit your strategy.

Written by:

Mark Brown

Chief Statistician

Bio:

Football bores me to tears! I’m not interested in the Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s of the world, but I am interested in betting. With that in mind, I spend hours trawling through the statistics of the football markets and can usually come up with an angle which presents a viable betting opportunity.

Key contributions:

Chief statistician or Stato, as my colleagues like to call me

Personnel betting philosophy or quotes:

“Risk wisely, gain greatly”