Keeping within touching distance of the other clubs facing relegation is becoming more and more difficult with each passing week - fast movement in the January window is of the utmost importance to save our season.
In the meantime even a point and dogged performance against Liverpool could provide everyone a lift coming into the New Year, with huge games against Aston Villa and Swansea on the horizon.
Aston Villa is beyond doubt the most important of the two fixtures and easily our best chance of gaining three points, but how reassuring would it be to head into that clash off the back of a hardworking and organised performance against a stuttering Liverpool?
The Lads should be looking to use this fixture as a platform to push on, gaining self belief and confidence along the way. Lord knows we need it.
Match Appointments
Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistants: S Bennett & A Halliday
Fourth Official: N Swarbrick
Team News
Sunderland
Younes Kaboul has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury, whilst John O'Shea is a doubt and will likely miss out. Wes Brown looks set to make only his second appearance of the season, and the loss of Kaboul and O'Shea could bring about a place in the match day squad for youngster Tom Beadling.
Jack Rodwell is available after serving a one a match suspension, as is Lee Cattermole who came through the final forty minutes of the Manchester City game unscathed.
Liverpool
Jurgan Klopp has publicly stated that Daniel Sturridge will not be risked in this game, with Christian Benteke likely to retain his place up front for the Reds.
Divick Origi and Jordan Ibe could return, while James Milner and Martin Skrtel both miss out through injury.
Form
Sunderland
Saturday 26th December - Man City 4-1 Sunderland
Saturday 19th December - Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland
Saturday 12th December - Sunderland 0-1 Watford
Saturday 5th December - Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Saturday 28th November - Sunderland 2-0 Stoke
Monday 23rd November - Crystal Palace 0-1 Sunderland
Liverpool
Saturday 26th December - Liverpool 1-0 Leicester
Sunday 20th December - Watford 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 13th December - Liverpool 2-2 West Brom
Sunday 6th December - Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 29th November - Liverpool 1-0 Swansea
Saturday 21st November - Man City 1-4 Liverpool
What the Managers Say:
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce:
"We are struggling in defending terms; we aren't getting in people's faces and aren't closing the opposition down enough.
"That's definitely a factor that's been brought to light, particularly in the last two games. We must get better at it if we are to put points on the board.
"Our play out of possession is equally as important as when we have the ball."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
"I think second balls will be a big thing to think about for Sunderland.
"We want to improve our situation, we want to develop, we want to get more points in this important moment in the league.
"We have to go to Sunderland and be concentrated from the first second, like we were against Leicester."
Last 10 League Meetings
10th Jan 2015 - Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool
06th Dec 2014 - Liverpool 0-0 Sunderland
26th Mar 2014 - Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland
29th Sep 2013 - Sunderland 1-3 Liverpool
02nd Jan 2013 - Liverpool 3-0 Sunderland
15th Sep 2012 - Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool
10th Mar 2012 - Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool
13th Aug 2011 - Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland
20th Mar 2011 - Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool
25th Sep 2010 - Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland
Last Corresponding Fixture
Flashback
Since 1983 we have only beaten Liverpool three times - here are the highlights of all three fixtures.
15th Dec 2002 - Sunderland 2-1 Liverpool
17th Oct 2009 - Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool
10th Mar 2012 -Sunderland 1-0 Liverpool
Stats 'n' Facts
Head-to-head
- Liverpool are unbeaten in six Premier League matches against Sunderland (W4, D2).
- Sunderland have won just three of their 28 Premier League games against Liverpool.
- The Reds have conceded only 10 goals in their last 22 league meetings with Sunderland.
Sunderland
- Sunderland have lost four league matches in a row - they haven't lost five since April 2014.
- Sam Allardyce's side have lost six of their last eight league games (W2).
- They have won two of their last four league matches at the Stadium of Light and they only conceded two goals in those four games.
- The Black Cats have conceded a league-high 37 goals in 18 matches this season.
Liverpool
- Liverpool have lost their last two away league games and failed to score in either of them. April 2012 was the last time they lost three successive matches on the road.
- Fourteen goals have been scored in the Reds' last four away matches - an average of 3.5 goals per game.
- They have won three, drawn three and lost three on their travels so far in 2015-16.
- James Milner and Christian Benteke have both scored five Premier League goals against Sunderland - more than they have managed against any other club.