Liverpool x Sunderland confirmed line-up: where to watch the Premier League duel By Beatriz
5 min read
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Liverpool faces Sunderland this Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in the 14th round of Premier League, at the Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, Inglaterra. The game starts at 8:15 pm local time, with the home team looking to recover after recent victories and the visitor surprising in the table. The match highlights the confrontation between the current eighth place team, with 21 points, and the sixth place team, with 22 points, in a duel that could change positions in the fight for European places.
Coach Arne Slot opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for Liverpool, prioritizing defensive balance and creativity in attack. Sunderland, under the command of Régis Le Bris, adopts a 5-4-1 to contain the Reds’s attacks at home.
- Liverpool: Alisson; J. Gomez, I. Konaté, V. van Dijk, A. Robertson; R. Gravenberch, A. Mac Allister; D. Szoboszlai, F. Wirtz, C. Gakpo; A. Isak.
- Sunderland: R.Roefs; N. Mukiele, D. Ballard, O. Alderete, R. Mandava; G.Xhaka, N.Sadiki; E. Le Fée, B. Traoré, C. Talbi; B. Brobbey.
Liverpool tactical formation
The confirmed Liverpool lineup reflects adjustments to deal with absences in the defensive sector. Arne Slot confirmed the presence of Virgil van Dijk as captain in defense, alongside Ibrahima Konaté, to reinforce solidity at the back. Joe Gomez takes over at right-back due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Andy Robertson returns to the left.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister form the base duo, with Dominik Szoboszlai playing more advanced. Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo occupy the wings, creating spaces for Alexander Isak as a reference in the attack. Essa setup aims to exploit quick transitions, exploiting Isak’s speed after his first league goal in the win over West Ham.
Sunderland defensive strategy
Régis Le Bris scaled Sunderland in 5-4-1 to prioritize defensive compaction in Anfield. Robin Roefs guards the goal, with a line of five in defense including Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete and Reinildo Mandava. Essa’s formation seeks to neutralize Liverpool’s attack, which has scored in nine of the last ten home games.
Granit Xhaka anchors the mid with Noah Sadiki, allowing Enzo Le Fée and Bertrand Traoré to play on wings. Chemsdine Talbi supports Brian Brobbey in the isolated attack, betting on counterattacks. The visiting team comes from a historic 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, recovering points from behind, which increases confidence for the challenge away from home.
The option for Brobbey as a starter comes after his decisive goal as a substitute in the last match, replacing Wilson Isidor.
Live streaming options
The match between Liverpool and Sunderland will be broadcast on multiple channels, providing easy access for global fans. No Brasil, ESPN covers the game on closed TV, with a high definition signal and comments in Portuguese. The Disney+ streaming platform offers an online option, allowing viewing on mobile devices or smart TVs.
For audiences on Reino Unido, Sky Sports Football begins coverage at 6:30 pm local time, with pre-game analysis and live broadcast starting at 8:15 pm. Nos Estados Unidos, Peacock broadcasts the duel, with a monthly package option for non-subscribers. Outras regions, such as Austrália via Stan Sport, guarantee uninterrupted access.
These broadcasts include features such as replays and real-time statistics, essential for following the development of the match.
Players highlighted in the lineups
Alisson returns to goal for Liverpool after rotation at Champions, averaging 3.2 saves per game in the league. Cody Gakpo, with a technical rating of 78 in the last duel, leads the attack alongside Isak, who seeks to consolidate his adaptation. Mohamed Salah remains on the bench, preserved for future commitments for the national team.
In Sunderland, Brian Brobbey appears as a threat, with two goals in five recent appearances. Granit Xhaka sets the pace in the middle, with four assists this season, while Enzo Le Fée contributes goals at key moments. The absence of Habib Diarra due to a groin injury forces adjustments, but the squad maintains depth.
Van Dijk, with leadership in the defense of Reds, faces an attack that scored three in the comeback against Bournemouth.
Recent history and motivations
Liverpool have not lost to Sunderland in ten games in Premier League, with six wins and four draws since 2017. The last meeting ended 2-2, but Reds dominate in Anfield, unbeaten in the last 15 home duels against promoted teams. Essa sequence drives Slot to seek a second championship, after three recent defeats that shook the campaign.
Sunderland, promoted this season, surprises with 12 points recovered from disadvantages, a league record. Seis away defeats indicate vulnerability, but victory over Bournemouth boosts morale to dream of Europa. Le Bris emphasizes cohesion, with the team one point behind Liverpool in the table.
Referee Stuart Attwell referees the game, with an average of 0.14 yellow cards per match, promising fluidity.
Possible absences and substitutions
Injuries impact confirmed lineups on both sides. No Liverpool, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are out due to muscle problems, with Stefan Bajčetić also unavailable. Substituições includes Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah on the bench, ready to enter in the second half, in addition to Federico Chiesa as an offensive option.
Sunderland handles absences of Aji Alese (shoulder), Habib Diarra (groin) and Ahmed Abdullahi. Dennis Cirkin and Leo Fuhr Hjelde are doubts, but not confirmed. On the bench, Anthony Patterson and Romaine Mundle await chances, with Bertrand Traoré versatile for tactical adjustments.
These casualties force adaptations, but keep teams competitive.
Expectations for the confrontation
The duel in Odds favors Reds at 1.33 for victory, draw at 5.75 and underdog at 7.50, reflecting local favoritism. Ambas teams scored in 54% of simulations, highlighting their offensive potential.
The fans fill the stadium, with 54 thousand seats, creating pressure on the visitors. The game can define trajectories: victory for Reds approaches the Champions zone, while points for Sunderland consolidate the surprise of the season.
