Recent meetings between these two clubs point to a routine victory for Liverpool when Sunderland visit Merseyside on Wednesday night.

The Black Cats have failed to win on any of their last 14 trips to Anfield in all competitions.

Furthermore, Martin O'Neill's team have won just twice away from the Stadium of Light this season.

In contrast, Liverpool have lost just three times at home in the Premier League.

The hosting Reds will once again start with Luis Suarez as a lone striker. The Uruguayan international has 13 goals to his name so far this season.

Brendan Rodgers is also expected to be back in the dugout for the match, having missed Sunday's 3-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers through illness.

Meanwhile, Sunderland could be without captain John O'Shea. The former Manchester United defender limped off during the weekend's 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur with a hamstring problem.

Recent form

Liverpool: WWLWLW

Sunderland: LWLWWL

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, Allen, Gerrard; Shelvey, Downing; Suarez

Sunderland: Mignolet; Rose, Kilgallon, Cuellar, Bardsley; Larsson, Gardner, Johnson, McClean; Sessegnon; Fletcher

Sports Mole says: 2-0