Sunderland vs Liverpool

The Premier League's Matchday 26 brings a high-stakes encounter to the North East this Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as Sunderland hosts Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Kick-off at the Stadium of Light is scheduled for 20:15 GMT.

This fixture carries significant weight for both sides. Newly promoted Sunderland (8th, 36 points) have been the season's overachievers, currently sitting just three points behind Liverpool (6th, 39 points). While Liverpool is desperate to bridge the gap to the top four, the Black Cats are looking to maintain their incredible unbeaten home record and prove that their return to the top flight is no fluke.

Match Information

Sunderland: The Fortress of Light

Under Régis Le Bris, Sunderland has turned their home ground into a fortress, remaining undefeated at the Stadium of Light so far this season. Despite a recent 3–0 loss to Arsenal, the Black Cats have shown they can compete with the elite, notably holding Liverpool to a 1–1 draw at Anfield back in December.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absences: The hosts will be without Granit Xhaka and Bertrand Traoré. Noah Sadiki, however, has been passed fit to start in midfield.

• The Goal Threat: Dutch striker Brian Brobbey remains the focal point of the attack, while young star Chemsdine Talbi—who scored a stunner in the reverse fixture—will look to haunt the Reds again.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Patterson; Hume, Mepham, Alderete, Cirkin; Neil, Sadiki, Rigg; Talbi, Brobbey, Mundle.

Liverpool: Seeking Defensive Stability

Liverpool arrives on the back of a morale-boosting 4–1 win over Newcastle United, though a subsequent narrow 2–1 defeat to Manchester City has kept them in a battle for European spots. Arne Slot’s "Hybrid 2.0" system has produced plenty of goals, but defensive inconsistencies continue to be a talking point.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Crisis: The Reds are navigating a difficult injury list. Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and Stefan Bajcetic are all confirmed absentees.

• Wirtz Factor: German superstar Florian Wirtz has been the creative heartbeat of the side, and his battle against Sunderland’s compact midfield will be decisive.

• Defensive Shift: With Frimpong and Bradley out, Joe Gomez is expected to deputize at right-back once again.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Gomez, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Ekitiké, Wirtz.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Reverse Fixture: A gritty 1–1 draw at Anfield in December 2025.

• Unbeaten Run: Liverpool has not lost to Sunderland in their last 12 competitive meetings (dating back to 2012).

• Home Strength: Sunderland has won four of their last six home league games, drawing the other two.

• High Scoring: Five of Liverpool’s last six matches have seen over 2.5 goals scored.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This match is a clash of Sunderland's defensive organization against Liverpool's high-possession attacking flair. Le Bris will likely set his side up to soak up pressure and release Talbi and Mundle on the break, exploiting the space behind Liverpool's adventurous full-backs.

For Liverpool, the key will be converting their high $xG$ into clinical finishes. While Sunderland's home record is formidable, Liverpool's superior squad depth and recent scoring form give them the slight edge in what promises to be an atmospheric night on Wearside.

Final Score Prediction: Sunderland 1–2 Liverpool