OPPOSITION VIEW: LFC

With Sunderland looking to maintain their unbeaten home record and Liverpool looking to claw their way back into the top four, we spoke to Dan Clubbe from The Redmen TV about how the game might pan out and how supporters have adjusted their expectations for the rest of the campaign...

As defending Champions, Liverpool are 6th in the league after 25 games, 17 points behind leaders Arsenal... what's been the story of your season so far?

War and Peace is probably an easier read than the story of our season, perhaps not too dissimilar either at times. Whilst I'm aware of the 'entitled' position from which this is coming, as title holders and with the unrecognised levels of spending last summer, we were all expecting the good times to carry on. Although some of the circumstances cannot be legislated for, there is no doubt that inconsistency has reigned supreme, and we've fallen well below expectations so far.

With the title seemingly out of view, what are the new aims for this season? Is it as simple as just trying to finish in the Champions League spots?

I think that's the minimum requirement, to be honest. A top four/five finish gives us scope to 'go again' as we are, but anything less is probably a crisis point for the manager. Beyond that, actual success this season can only come in the form of silverware now.

What are your thoughts on Arne Slot in the dugout?

I have plenty of sympathy for his situation and even more love for what he brought us last season. However, whilst it's clear he has loads of tactical acumen and is a highly intelligent football man, I have undoubtedly struggled to connect with him the person, and the style of football. Ultimately that's fine when results are good but once they stop, which they have, there's not much left to cling onto...

From last season's success to now, what's gone wrong?

How long have you got? It would be remiss not to mention the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the impact that had on the entire football club, not to mention the direct and significant change it meant to the pre-season preparations. Beyond that, the upheaval in the summer of incomings and outgoings hasn't helped, injuries have bitten in a way they didn't last term, and ultimately, the manager who once appeared to have the Midas touch has lost a bit of his magic.

Hugo Ekitike is your top scorer with 10 in the league, what kind of player is he?

He has been sublime for the most part in pretty testing circumstaces having come in for big money only to be almost immediately outshone by a striker from your neck of the woods (if I can say that). But he's pure class, still raw and still a tad inconssitent but as an overall package he's got the lot.

Other than Ekitike, who are some of your best players?

Well, fortunately for you guys, our player of the season is now suspended for this one! So, Florian Wirtz has started to show his true self in recent weeks, such a sophisticated footballer who is now finding creative solutions in more football matches than not.

With Dominik Szoboszlai now suspended, Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both injured, and Joe Gomez expected to miss out, who will play at right back on Wednesday?

Are you sure we can't have Geertruida?!? Now, in theory, it should be Calvin Ramsay as he is an actual right-back. Slot, however, has been reluctant to use him, so there's a strong chance it'll be either Curtis Jones or Wataru Endo. I've got my boots in the back of the car just in case.

What have you made of Sunderland's return to life in the Prem?

Brilliant. And truthfully, I'm made up. I wasn't a big fan of newly-promoted clubs going down with a whimper, and whilst I'm not 'Sunderland Till I Die' of course, I did enjoy the Netflix series.

Which of our players have caught your eye? And who are you worried about?

Enzo Le Fee. What a player. Outside of him, the frontmen - Mayenda, Brobbey, and Isidor - all pose a genuine goal threat and therefore give me cause for concern. I'm glad Granit Xhaka won't be playing!

Are you coming to the game?

I am. First trip to the Stadium of Light as well.

What's your score prediction? Goalscorers?

Oh god. 2-1 Liverpool - I say that with little to no confidence. Ballard. Ekitike & Salah.

Finally, where do you think we'll both finish this year?

Sunderland 9th and us...an optimistic 4th.