Premier League preview: Liverpool v Sunderland

31 December 2012 08:50

Home field advantage could prove decisive when Liverpool plays host to Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool have played 10 games at home this season, losing twice, while Sunderland have picked up just two wins on the road.

And it has been an enjoyable experience for Liverpool against Sunderland, with the Merseyside club unbeaten in 11 previous Premier League fixtures on home soil.

It has been a mixed campaign for Liverpool as the club settles into life under the guidance of Northern Irish manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers arrived at Anfield from Swansea, where he turned the Welsh outfit into one of the most entertaining teams in the league.

His switch to Liverpool, however, has not been as straightforward but the fans have seen signs of progress.

One player to thrive is Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who bagged a brace in Liverpool's 3-0 win over QPR last time out, helping the team to ninth position.

In 19 appearances this term, Suarez has scored 13 goals, already eclipsing his 11-goal tally from last season.

The former Ajax captain will need to be at his best against a Sunderland side who kept defending champions Manchester City scoreless last Wednesday.

Sunderland's 1-0 victory over City made it three wins in four games for Martin O'Neill's men but they came crashing down to earth after suffering a 2-1 loss at home to high-flying Tottenham.

The result has left Sunderland in 13th ahead of Wednesday's meeting, five points clear of the relegation zone.

Rodgers has close to a full list of players to choose from, with Fabio Borini (foot) and Martin Kelly (knee) the only casualties, while Sunderland captain John O'Shea could miss the match after being forced off during the loss to Tottenham.