Liverpool vs Sunderland Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | Pre-Season Friendly

The Reds are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with the Black Cats!

Liverpool FC are all set to have a face-off against Sunderland in what is going to be a club-friendly outing. The GEODIS Park is all set to witness these Premier League sides in what is going to be an entertaining contest.

The Reds have now seen a managerial change after their disappointing 2025-26 campaign. They failed to win any trophies and barely managed to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.

Andoni Iraola is all set to make his unofficial debut as Liverpool’s new manager. He put in some good performances with Bournemouth in the Premier League last season. It will now be interesting to see him lead a decorated club from the front.

Régis Le Bris’ men are coming in after putting in decent performances in the English top division last season. They finished seventh and secured a UEFA Europa League spot. Sunderland have failed to defeat Liverpool on their last 12 occasions.

The upcoming game is not going to be an easy contest for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
• Stadium: GEODIS Park
• Date: Sunday, July 26
• Kick-off Time: 03:30 AM IST (Saturday, July 25; 10:00 PM GMT/ 05:30 PM ET/ 01:30 PM PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: Not in use

Players to Watch

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)

Despite an underwhelming campaign, Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the most consistent players for Liverpool last season. He can play in multiple positions. He can be an engine room when it comes to the midfield.

With his on-field talent and positions, Szoboszlai is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

Alan Browne (Sunderland)

The 31-year-old is all set to play a crucial role in the absence of captain Granit Xhaka. He was on loan to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough FC last season. There, he came up with some decent performances.

Alan Browne had seven goal contributions. He is now looking to make his way back into the Sunderland squad.

Match Facts

• Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven games of the previous season.
• Sunderland are undefeated in their last five fixtures.
• The Reds are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with the Black Cats.

Betting tips & Odds

• Liverpool to win @1/2 SkyBet
• Dominik Szoboszlai to score @11/4 bet365
• Goals under 3.5 @4/7 10bet

Injury and Team News

Liverpool are going to miss out on the majority of their star players post the FIFA World Cup 2026, including Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch.

Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are travelling with the squad. But they are yet to fully recover from their injuries. Newly signed Victor Munoz is not yet confirmed to join the squad.

For Sunderland, Granit Xhaka, Chemsdine Talbi, Omar Alderete, and Thomas Meunier were part of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are yet to return to club training. Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Robin Roefs, Simon Adingra, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki are going to miss the game against Liverpool.

Youngster Jocelin Ta Bi is facing some VISA troubles to enter the USA.

Head-to-head

Matches played: 172

Liverpool (wins): 80

Sunderland (wins): 52

Draws: 40

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Mamardashvili (GK); Ramsay, Gomez, Jacquet, Kerkez; Nyoni, Jones; Szoboszlai, Elliott, Ngumoha; Wright

Sunderland predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Ellborg (GK); Mukiele, O’Nien, Hume, Reinildo; Browne, Rigg; Scott, Le Fee, Tutierov; Ogunsuyi

Match prediction

Neither of these Premier League sides will be looking to back down. Sunderland will be pushing for a win, but Andoni Iraola might have some tactics to take down the Black Cats.

Liverpool FC are likely to come out on top to secure a win in what can be a close game.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Sunderland

Telecast Details

Fans will be able to view the game live on LFCTV, All Red Video and SAFC Live.

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