Having lost three games already this season, the game against the Black Cats is a contest Liverpool can ill-afford to lose - and they go into the game without their two talisman. With both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres unavailable for selection after picking up knocks on international duty, the strength of Benitez' squad will be tested and the ability for other players to produce the goods put under the microscope. On the evidence of previous seasons the Reds find themselves in a worrying predicament. Benitez certainly has some tactical pondering to do, though his options are limited.
Free-Scoring Sunderland
Under the guidance of Steve Bruce Sunderland are the leagues third highest scorers on home turf having bagged 12 goals at the Stadium of Light. Only Arsenal and Saturday's opponents Liverpool have better records. Liverpool have looked vulnerable in defence and have leaked eight goals on the road which is an area Benitez will make a priority for the visit to the north-east. When the need calls for it, Benitez can set his team up to frustrate anybody and unless the forward click into gear and create goal scoring opportunities, the Reds may find themselves defending more than they are ordinarily accustomed to.
In the absence of Gerrard and Torres, Andriy Voronin could be in line for a starting role alongside Dirk Kuyt, but with defence in mind, Benitez may instead opt to play David Ngog up front on his own with Benayoun taking up the role normally occupied by Gerrard. Albert Riera is almost guaranteed a starting role on the left hand side flank whilst Fabio Aurelio may come in for Emiliano Insua at left-back. Daniel Agger is fit to return to the squad and could line-up with a three man defence to utilise Glen Johnson's attacking flair.
Bruce is likely to keep with the forward pairing of Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones and utilise their height to pressure Liverpool's backline. The Red's defending of set-pieces this season has highlighted a chink in their armour which teams like Sunderland can exploit. Benitez knows his side have to take something from this game and it may prove the only chance they have to do that is not concede.
Boudewijn Zenden Set to Face Former Club
Victory for Sunderland will see them leapfrog Liverpool in the table, but they will be without Kieran Richardson who is suspended following his dismissal in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. With their best playmaker absent, Boudewijn Zenden, signed on loan during the international break, could step in to make his bow for the Black Cats and the Dutchman will relish the opportunity to face his former team mates.
Between them, Sunderland and Liverpool have registered on 39 occasions already this season, but considering the potential line-ups and the likely approach to the game, don't expect a goal feast.
