Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League clash at Anfield as Liverpool take on struggling Sunderland. We should have some team news for you very shortly...

LIVERPOOL: Mignolet; Johnson, Moreno, Toure, Skrtel; Lucas, Henderson; Coutinho, Sterling, Lallana; Lambert

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Enrique, Lovren, Gerrard, Can, Allen, Markovic

After seeing his side come from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 in midweek, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has made two changes to his starting lineup for today's game. Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho are both recalled, while Javier Manquillo and Steven Gerrard drop out. Gerrard is on the bench for the hosts - a move that is likely to be with Tuesday's crucial Champions League encounter with Basel in mind.

SUNDERLAND: Pantilimon; Vergini, Reveillere, O'Shea, Brown; Bridcutt, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson, Wickham; Altidore

SUNDERLAND SUBS: Mannone, Cattermole, Rodwell, Fletcher, Alvarez, Buckley, T Robson

Following a chastening 4-1 defeat at home to champions Manchester City in midweek, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has made five changes for this afternoon's clash. Wes Brown returns in defence, while Jordi Gomez, Liam Bridcutt, Adam Johnson and Jozy Altidore are also given the nod. Jack Rodwell and Steven Fletcher are among those on the bench.

Right, let's get down to business. Liverpool have seen an upturn in their fortunes in recent weeks, winning their last two games to move to within five points of the Champions League places. Another victory this afternoon and it will be the first time this season that they have won three games on the spin in the Premier League.

In contrast, Sunderland are yet again battling away near the foot of the table. The Black Cats are currently in 14th place, just two points above the drop zone. The visitors have failed to win their last four games in the league - a run that they will be keen to end as soon as possible, considering the busy festive schedule that is on the horizon.

However, while Sunderland are in a more dangerous position than Liverpool, the Black Cats have lost two fewer games than the Reds this season. The problem for Gus Poyet's side has been draws, notching up eight of them from their first 14 games of the campaign. They'd be fighting among the top half had they converted some of those into wins.

Gus Poyet: "I don't think we need to repair anything but the idea is to keep believing. We need to be brave - that's the word we're going to use the most this weekend. We are going in there willing to play and make it difficult in both ways, offensive and defensive."

Brendan Rodgers: "We have a bit of momentum now in terms of results, which breeds confidence in the team and releases what might feel like a little bit of pressure.

"We still have a lot of work to do. There is a long road for us, but we are edging our way there. If we get to the half-way point in January and be there or thereabouts I will be pleased with that, considering the start we had in the first 12 games."

HEAD TO HEAD: It's Liverpool who have the dominant record when it comes to past meetings between these teams, winning 72 games compared to Sunderland's 52. There have also been a total of 34 draws since they first met over 100 years ago.

The Merseysiders have also been the superior side in recent years, picking up wins in their last three games against Sunderland. The Black Cats last triumphed in March 2012 with a 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League. Their last win at Anfield came all the way back in 1983...

UPDATE! Today's early kickoff has just finished at St James' Park and Chelsea have been beaten for the first time this season with a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United! What a result that is for the Magpies. Consider the title race well and truly on! You can read our match report here.

Got a spare few minutes before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview of today's match below:

This match last season ended with a 2-1 win for Liverpool thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard. It's fair to say that the Reds have missed Sturridge so far this season, with an end to his injury troubles not looking like a reality until the start of 2015. Still, Rickie Lambert has come into his own in recent weeks, scoring two goals in his last four games. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that the experienced forward can cause the likes of John O'Shea and Wes Brown a few problems this afternoon.

Sunderland have also struggled in the final third this season, finding the net just 13 times in 14 games. Their top scorer with four goals is Steven Fletcher, who has to settle for a place on the bench today. Manager Gus Poyet clearly feels as if the physicality of Jozy Altidore will pose more of a threat up front. Who knows, maybe we'll see Fletcher impacting the game as a substitute late on.

For the record, Jordan Henderson will be captaining Liverpool in the absence of Steven Gerrard this afternoon. The midfielder started his professional career with the Black Cats in 2008 before moving to Anfield for around £18m in 2011. Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is another player who used to ply his trade at the Stadium of Light, enjoying three years there before joining the Reds last summer.

Here come the teams, emerging from the tunnel to a great reception from the Anfield faithful. Not long to go now until this one gets underway.

KICKOFF! The players are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done and it will be Sunderland to kick us off. Here we go!

It's been a lively start to the game from Liverpool, who have come flying out of the traps with plenty of intensity. Sunderland have enjoyed some of the ball, but they're being closed down quickly by the hosts whenever possible. The visitors eventually get a sniff at the other end of the pitch as Wickham goes down under a challenge from Skrtel inside the box, though referee Kevin Friend waves away the appeals.

Sunderland are starting to see a bit more of the possession now, with Johnson and Larsson both getting involved in wide areas. One move sees Larsson whip a wonderful cross into the heart of Liverpool's penalty area, only for Johnson to hack the ball clear. The Black Cats look up for it this afternoon.

This match has certainly been lively so far as both teams look to assert themselves. It's been end to end for the large part, with Sunderland more than playing their part. Liverpool haven't quite got going yet, but they've shown enough to give Brendan Rodgers confidence that the XI that he's picked is one that's capable of winning.

Something of a half-chance for Liverpool as Johnson floats a teasing cross in towards Lambert, who has two Sunderland defenders around him. The ball eventually drops loose inside the box, but Brown is there to hoff it upfield. Lambert hasn't had too much to work with so far, though his eyes must have lit up when he saw that ball aimed his way.

Sunderland threaten as Gomez takes aim from about 25 yards after Liverpool fail to clear their lines from a corner, but the midfielder smashes the ball off target. The Black Cats have had 62% of the possession during the opening 15 minutes or so. The two teams are continuing to scrap hard for the ball, with neither actually putting their stamp on the game.

Gus Poyet will be very pleased indeed with what he's seen so far. The visitors are showing good passing and movement high up the pitch, with about half a dozen of their players looking eager to get on the ball and make something happen. Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to look sluggish. It's certainly been an underwhelming opening from the home side.

Sterling is cutting a bit of a frustrated figure out on the left wing for Liverpool at the moment. Usually so full of energy and dynamism, the youngster has failed to give Sunderland too much to think about today. The Reds are also lacking a bit of life in other midfield areas, most notably in the hole behind Lambert. Lallana and Coutinho are both struggling.

CHANCE! That's more like it from Liverpool. Lallana does brilliantly down the right, shaking off a Sunderland shirt before crossing to Lambert at the back post. The striker rises above his marker to head the ball goalwards, but he can only guide his effort wide of the post.

That opening for Lambert seems to have invigorated Liverpool a bit. They needed something, that's for sure. Coutinho leads the hosts forward down the left before cutting onto his right foot. The Brazilian hits a lowe effort that almost creeps into the bottom corner, only for Pantillimon to get down and make the save.

The Liverpool fans are signing Steven Gerrard's name and you would imagine that he'll be involved at some point should the game remain goalless past half time. There's still plenty of time until then, but Brendan Rodgers is already probably thinking of ways to give his side a boost.

Sunderland have had to do a bit more defending in the last few minutes, but they're still looking dangerous on the break. Altidore has done a good job of in that lone striker role so far, showing good control and awareness high up the pitch when he gets on the ball.

PENALTY APPEAL! Sunderland Wickham are again appealing for a penalty when the youngster goes down under a challenge from Johnson, but again referee Kevin Friend waves away the appeals. That would have been a harsh one to give because Wickham was hardly touched there.

This game continues to enthrall because neither side is doing a good job of putting their foot down and taking control. Liverpool have improved since the start of the match, while Sunderland are using the ball well when they win possession. Wickham is getting roundly booed when he receives the ball out on the left.

A promising move for Liverpool sees Coutinho set Moreno free down the left flank, but the full-back's cross is a poor one that completely misses Lambert. The striker has had a couple of scraps to feed on this afternoon, though the service in to him has been largely poor. Five minutes of normal time left in the first half.

YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the game goes the way of Sunderland defender Vergini for tugging away at the shirt of Sterling. That was silly from the full-back.

Liverpool are passing the ball patiently around the edge of the Sunderland box at the moment, but it's clear that they're lacking the necessary creativity and vision to unlock the visiting defence. The home fans are starting to voice their frustrations as well. It's been a disappointing opening half for the Reds.

Just the one minute of added time at the end of the half...

The half-time whistle goes, bringing an end to a curious opening 45 minutes at Anfield. We've had no goals so far, but there's been plenty to talk about at both ends of the pitch. Sunderland have certainly caused the hosts problems, while Liverpool have struggled to get going.

Gus Poyet will certainly be the happier of the two managers so far after seeing his side give a good account of themselves in that half. The visitors have shown no fear going forward, while the likes of O'Shea and Brown have done an admirable job in defence. Poyet will be asking his side for more of the same after the break, and who can blame him?

While Sunderland have looked organised and disciplined, Liverpool have been a bit all over the shop. The hosts have struggled to created chances, despite Coutinho and Lallana seeing a fair amount of the ball. Lambert has been starved of service up front and there's also been a nervousness at the back.

Liverpool are going to need their fans on their side during the second half, but there were one or two groans of frustration emanating from the stands as that first half wore on. Remember, a win today would see the Merseysiders put together a run of three consecutive victories in the Premier League for the first time this season.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out and it will be Liverpool, shooting towards the Kop, to kick us off for the second half. Here we go!

Sunderland come at Liverpool instantly as Gomez sees his 25-yard effort deflected wide for a corner, which ultimately comes to nothing.

YELLOW CARD! Liverpool's first booking of the afternoon goes to Lucas for a cynical trip on Gomez around the half-way line. The Brazilian new exactly what he was doing there because the visitors were looking to mount a swift counter-attack.

CHANCE! Oh, what an opening for Sunderland! A corner from the right is inadvertently flicked on by Skrtel before Wickham flashes a volley wide at the back post. The Liverpool defence seemed to completely switch off then.

Sunderland are really pushing hard for the opening goal now. Larsson sweeps the ball from right to left in towards Wickham, who has his shot deflected wide for a corner. The resulting set piece ends with Gomez having a sight of goal, though he can only fire off target. The Black Cats are on top.

There is a strangely subdued atmosphere around Anfield right now as Sunderland dictate play. The Liverpool fans desperately need something to shout about, but their side isn't delivering. The visitors win another corner following good work by Wickham, though it fails to clear Johnson at the near post.

YELLOW CARD! Sunderland midfielder Bridcutt rightly goes into the book for blocking off Sterling on the edge of the box following a blistering run from the Liverpool winger.

With the Kop holding its collective breath, Henderson stands over the free kick. However, the stand-in skipper can only hit the ball high over the crossbar when he appeared to be attempting to whip it into the back post.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Here comes Steven Gerrard, off the bench to replace Lallana. Is this the type of game that is perfectly set up for the skipper to win it for his side?

SUNDERLAND SUBS: Two changes for the visitors now as Ricky Alvarez and Lee Cattermole replace Jozy Altidore and Seb Larsson. Just over 20 minutes left to play at Anfield.

There very little flow to this game at the moment as both sides battle for the ball. However, it's probably Liverpool who are showing more of an urgency going forward right now. Gerrard has already made a bit of an impact, helping his side push forward whenever possible. It looks like Bridcutt has the task of keeping an eye on the Liverpool captain.

You get the feeling that it's going to be all hands to the pump for Sunderland during the final 15 minutes. Liverpool are pushing further forward, pinning their opponents back for long spells. That said, the hosts are still struggling to find that bit of quality in the final third. Lambert's hardly had a touch in the second half, while Coutinho is finding it hard to make an impact.

SAVE! Close for Liverpool! Sterling does wonderfully to get himself into the Sunderland box, dribbling the ball past about three players before picking out Coutinho on the right. The Brazilian takes a touch before firing a low effort towards goal, but Pantillimon palms it away.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Changes for both sides here. First, Liverpool bring on Lazar Markovic for Coutinho. Sunderland then replace Johnson with Will Buckley.

YELLOW CARD! Buckley goes into the book pretty much instantly for a foul on Moreno. That's one way of putting your mark on the game.

SAVE! What a goal that would have been! Sunderland break up the pitch before the ball breaks for Gomez around 25 yards from goal. The midfielder hits a thunderous drive towards goal, but Mignolet shows great agility to push it away. Fine play all round.

PENALTY APPEAL! Liverpool are screaming for a penalty as Sterling goes down under a challenge from Brown, but they are turned away by the referee. Again, it looks as if the winger went down far too easily there. The hosts launch another attack soon after, though Henderson can only find the Kop with his shot from 20 yards.

Sunderland are having to defend with their lives as Liverpool crank up the pressure in search of what would probably be a winning goal. The hosts have a couple of efforts around the penalty box, but the visitors are doing well to block everything that comes their way. Can they hold on? You'd think they'd take a share of the spoils at this point.

There will be THREE MINUTES of added time. Are we going to see a winner?

The full-time whistle goes and the points will be shared at Anfield as Sunderland hold on for a draw. Liverpool were well below par during the match, but they looked threatening in the final 15 minutes. However, the Black Cats did enough to frustrate them and pick up a point.

That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all of the reaction from both camps right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon.