Sunderland have 11-year voodoo to overcome ahead of Liverpool clash
Sunderland are set for what could prove to be their biggest test of the season.
Liverpool play host to Sunderland on Wednesday, looking to secure another three points to relieve some of the pressure on Arne Slot.
The situation at the Stadium of Light couldn’t be any different, with Regis Le Bris earning his plaudits for what his side have achieved already this season.
He will be looking to add another milestone to his time in charge of the Mackems, but to do that against the Reds, they will have to overcome a daunting record that spans back to 2014.
Liverpool are the reigning Premier League Champions
Given how poorly they have fared so far this season, it’s easy to forget that Liverpool were the best team in English football last campaign.
They won the Premier League with ease, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal, having lost just four times all season.
While they may be there for the taking at the moment, Sunderland have lost 13 of their 16 away games against the reigning champions, with their last win coming back in 2014.
Seb Larsson scored in a 1-0 win away to Man United that year, with a 3-0 win away to Chelsea in the 2010-11 campaign the only other time they have won against the side that won the league in the previous season.
Liverpool are already favourites to beat Sunderland, but this demonstrates just how tough Wednesday’s encounter will be.
Midweek fixtures have never been Sunderland’s strength
Sunderland already have more points at home in the current campaign than they managed throughout the entirety of their last season in the top flight.
In that season, the Black Cats failed to win any of their five midweek games, while also failing to score a single goal.
Flipping that on its head, Liverpool have lost just one of their last 25 midweek encounters, last suffering defeat in 2024 at the hands of their Merseyside rivals, Everton.
A draw would be an excellent result for Sunderland, but as they have already showcased this season, they may have what it takes to cause yet another upset against one of the big boys.
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