Liverpool v Sunderland: Black Cats to gift Reds hat-trick of wins

Following successive Premier League wins Liverpool’s quest for the top four took an upturn and next up Brendan Rodgers’ troop have a gilt-edged chance to make it three on the spin when Sunderland arrive at Anfield.

The mildly resurgent Reds are 8/15 shots to do just that, while Sunderland have 11/2 status to silence the Kop and parity is a 13/4 chance.

Here’s how we see the showdown shaping up:

Liverpool to win @ 8/15

A home victory looks the most plausible outcome on Merseyside based on the golden formula of current form and previous clashes.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have entered a promising groove following wins over Stoke and Leicester, while Gus Poyet’s visitors were humbled 4-1 by Manchester City last time out, and are winless in four.

Furthemore, Anfield is a barren wasteland for the Black Cats in the Premier League era, where they’ve won none of 12 trips, losing seven of those, including the last two.

Liverpool to win and both teams to score @ 23/10

In spite of a corner being turned for Liverpool, their clean sheet against Stoke was as charmed as it was rare.

Six of their other eight wins this season have seen Simon Mignolet beaten at some point.

Steven Gerrard to score @ 19/10

Liverpool’s skipper silenced the doubters with his fourth goal of the season against Leicester, making him the top-scoring Englishman in the calendar year.

While the uncertainty over his contract will rumble on, the former England stalwart reminded his current employers of his worth after being rested and looks a decent shout to start as a result of his best performance of the season.

This bet is aided by the fact Gerrard is still the designated penalty taker and probability would suggest Liverpool are due a spot-kick, having last been awarded one in the league back in August.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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