Sunderland v Liverpool preview

Black Cats eye Stadium of Light upset

Last updated: 15th August 2008

sunderland roy keane sporting lisbon

Roy Keane: Fancies an upset

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 1-1

SKY BET odds: Sunderland 9/2, Draw 9/4, Liverpool 8/11

One to Watch: El-Hadji Diouf

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Sunderland welcome Liverpool to the Stadium of Light on Saturday for both sides' first game of the new Premier League season.

As the new campaign dawns, both Sunderland and their visitors from Merseyside will be eager to avoid the inevitable debates which could raise their heads if positive starts are not forthcoming.

After avoiding relegation without too much sweat upon their return to the English top-flight last year, Sunderland will not want to hear whispers of second season syndrome floating around Wearside.

Meanwhile, Liverpool - who have not won the league in 18 years - have been backed as title contenders with the pre-season predictability of complaints about August weather and the Reds will be desperate to avoid equally familiar, 'where did it all go wrong?' questions.

Miserable

Black Cats boss Roy Keane has dropped hints that he fancies an upset and the former Manchester United star could surely think of no better team to tumble than Liverpool, whose manager, Rafa Benitez, has aired his concerns following a miserable midweek European display.

There are easier places to visit on the first day of the season than the Stadium of Light, as Benitez is aware, and the scene looks well set for Sunderland to end their six-year wait for a home league victory over Liverpool.

Keane has made some astute summer signings in the shape of ex-Tottenham trio Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Steed Malbranque, while El Hadji Diouf is a player who could perhaps rival his manager in desire to put one over Liverpool following a disappointing spell at Anfield.

Sunderland will also host a Liverpool side already under pressure following their lacklustre showing in Wednesday's 0-0 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg draw with Standard Liege.

Morale

Diouf, Tainio, Chimbonda and Malbranque are expected to make their competitive debuts from the start as Sunderland look to further dent their visitors' morale.

Phil Bardsley could feature after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Kieran Richardson has also returned to training.

However, veteran Dwight Yorke will be missing with a fractured cheekbone, while Kenwyne Jones (knee) is also absent and Michael Chopra is suspended.

Liverpool were without defensive quartet Steve Finnan, Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Philipp Degen for their midweek draw and Benitez has admitted he is concerned by the lack of competition for places caused by injuries.

However, captain Steven Gerrard should start after recovering from his thigh strain, while Robbie Keane is likely to make his Premier League debut for the Reds alongside Fernando Torres in attack, and Italian full-back Andrea Dossena also looks set for his domestic bow.

Possible starting XIs

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Chimbonda, Higginbotham, Collins, Malbranque, Tainio, Whitehead, Richardson, Diouf, Stokes

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun, Keane, Torres