Liverpool travel to play Sunderland for the first time in nine years, with a win essential for Arne Slot‘s side to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Sunderland vs. Liverpool

Premier League (26) | Stadium of Light
February 11, 2026 | 8.15pm (GMT)

Ordinarily, you would expect Liverpool to go to a newly-promoted team and win. That is not the case on this occasion, however.

Of their five matches this campaign against newly-promoted sides, Liverpool have won just one – 1-0 at Burnley in September – and drawn the other four. On paper, this game is the most difficult of the lot.

Dominik Szobsozlai is suspended

Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended for this one after being sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity to Erling Haaland – yes, even though the ball went in the goal – at the end of Liverpool’s loss against Man City.

Thankfully, he is only missing for one game, though, and will return for Saturday night’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Brighton at Anfield.

In Szoboszlai’s absence, Liverpool will have to find another right-back, with the most likely candidates being Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo.

Liverpool injury updates

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