Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that his side will not underestimate Sunderland when they welcome the Black Cats to Anfield on Saturday.
Sunderland endured a difficult start to the season, picking up just two points from their opening 10 matches to leave them stranded at the bottom of the table.
However, back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Hull City have moved David Moyes's side to within three points of safety, and Klopp challenged Liverpool to end their visitors' revival.
"It's getting more intense because of the games we have in December. We need to be ready for Sunderland. We will not underestimate Sunderland," he told reporters.
"It's our job to show, from the first second, as a big group - crowd involved - that we are different. [Anfield] is different. If Sunderland win football games in the Premier League, well done, deserved, whatever. But not here. That's what we have to show."
Liverpool currently sit second in the Premier League table, one point adrift of leaders Chelsea.
