There is an exciting Wednesday Premier League fixture between defending champions Liverpool and upstart Sunderland. The reigning title winners have been struggling through the start of the season, sitting eighth in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Sunderland has been one of the stories of the league so far, sitting sixth in the table in their first season back in the top flight.
Liverpool are -275 favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook for this one, with a draw available at +425. Sunderland are +700 to pull off the upset at Anfield and take all three points. This is my prediction and pick for the Premier League tie between Liverpool and Sunderland.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland Prediction
Liverpool Preview
It has been a tough start to Liverpool’s title-defense campaign. The Reds splashed their cash all summer, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and others to boost a team that had just won the Premier League title. However, the team has struggled to gel and Arne Slot has failed to adapt his system to these new players. After a dreadful run of form, losing six out of seven matches from late September to the end of October, Liverpool rattled off back-to-back wins over Real Madrid and Aston Villa. It seemed as if Liverpool had found their footing, but then they went on another three-game losing streak. The Reds finally recorded a much-needed Premier League win over West Ham on Sunday, with the club under immense pressure. This match is a chance for Liverpool to prove that they really are back on track, with the opportunity to get right back into the title fight with a couple of positive results.
Sunderland Preview
Sunderland have taken the Premier League by storm to start the season. After ten straight seasons in the Premier League from 2007-2016, Sunderland faced back-to-back relegations, dropping to League One. The club was in complete disarray, and it looked as if things might never get turned around. However, the team finally got back to the Championship, then made it through the Championship Play-offs last season to return to the Premier League for the first time in nearly a decade. Sunderland have hit the ground running, not just performing the best of the three newly promoted clubs, but sitting sixth in the Premier League. It has been a great story so far; now it is on Sunderland to maintain the success the rest of the season.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland Pick
My best bet for this match is for Liverpool to cover the spread and win by at least two goals. The Reds have some positive momentum after a 2-0 away win against West Ham. Allison Becker is back in goal, and Liverpool turned to a veteran option at right-back, Joe Gomez. Those changes saw Arne Slot’s side looking much more stable defensively. Meanwhile, first-year players Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak both had one of their best performances since coming to Liverpool. Things might finally be clicking for the defending champions, and they have a winnable run of fixtures ahead to get their season back on track.
Sunderland have been fantastic at the Stadium of Light this season. They have yet to lose a home match, including picking up a draw against the league leaders, Arsenal. Away from home, they have not been quite as strong. All three Sunderland losses have been in away fixtures, against Manchester United, Burnley and Fulham. The Anfield environment should be fantastic and a tough test for some of these inexperienced Sunderland players. If Liverpool carries over their momentum from Sunday, the Reds should win this one comfortably.
