Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has revealed that he expects a "very difficult" match against former club Sunderland in the Premier League tonight.

The Reds can move to within a point of leaders Chelsea if they beat the struggling Black Cats at Anfield.

Despite Sunderland's troubles at the other end of the table, Henderson believes that the visitors will provide stern opposition this evening.

"I'm sure it'll be very difficult because they're another team fighting for their lives. They've got some very good players and I'm sure they'll be right up for it coming to Anfield," he told the club's official website.

"We'll need to make sure we're right at it from the start, get the crowd with us and play with a lot of energy and tempo. High tempo is the key, I think, and I'm sure if we do that we can get the win."

Liverpool earned a 3-1 win over Sunderland when the teams met at the Stadium of Light back in September.