Sunderland vs Liverpool Prediction 11.02.2026 | Premier League

Sunderland are enjoying a remarkable return to the Premier League following their play-off promotion, currently occupying an impressive ninth place in the standings with 36 points collected from 25 matches — a position that even allows them to entertain ambitions of European football.

The Black Cats have emerged as the league’s ultimate home specialists this season, standing as the only Premier League side yet to suffer defeat on their own patch at the Stadium of Light. Their formidable home record reads seven wins and five draws from 12 outings, underlining the strength of their Wearside fortress.

Built on a solid defensive foundation, with Omar Alderete and Trai Hume anchoring a backline that has conceded just 0.75 goals per home game, head coach Régis Le Bris will be confident that his proven giant-killers can once again frustrate a heavyweight opponent and keep their top-six aspirations alive.

However, Sunderland will have to cope without experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, who is set to miss at least the next three weeks due to a recent ankle injury, while winger Bertrand Traore also remains sidelined after sustaining a minor knee problem.

Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to the North East on Wednesday night amid a turbulent spell in their title defense, with early signs suggesting that they may be relinquishing their grip on the crown. The Reds currently sit outside the top six and trail league leaders Arsenal by a staggering 17 points.

Their momentum took a significant hit over the weekend following a heart-wretching 2-1 home defeat to title contenders Manchester City — a result that not only extinguished their championship ambitions but also left them five points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places.

Although Arne Slot’s side will be desperate to make amends for the frustrating 1-1 draw against the Black Cats back in December, their away form offers little cause for optimism. Liverpool have managed to leave hostile territory as winners on just four occasions from 12 away league fixtures this season.

Further compounding their problems is a lengthy injury list that has stripped the squad of several key figures. Defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley remain sidelined, alongside midfielder Stefan Bajcetic and Swedish forward Alexander Isak, all due to injury. Dominik Szoboszlai will also miss the trip after seeing red in stoppage time against Manchester City, further weakening Liverpool’s options for this crucial encounter.