Sunderland v Liverpool: Who’s More Keane to Kick Off With a Win?
It turned out to be a pretty successful season for Roy Keane and his Black Cats last time around. A 15th place finish may not sound all that impressive on paper but it certainly put to bed a few Premier League demons. And with minds more at eased, Sunderland can now concentrate on establishing themselves within the top flight.
After years of watching the likes of Newcastle and Boro signing big name players, Keane has finally been able to attract some high profile talent to the club. The signings of Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, Steed Malbranque and El-Hadji Diouf will reinforce the Black Cats squad, adding a touch of class to a team with arguably the strongest work ethic in the Premier League. They also help ease the team’s injury worries particularly that of Kenwyne Jones who is expected to miss most of the season due to a serious knee injury. Don’t be surprised if it’s the Black Cats who emerge as the North-East’s most successful export this season. They have a tough start though, facing a Liverpool side who they haven’t beaten since December 2002.
For the 5th time in as many seasons, Liverpool start their Premier League campaign on the road looking for a result which mirrors that of last season (a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa) as opposed to the previous 3 - draws against Sheffield United, Middlesboro and Spurs.
Speculation has engulfed Anfield this summer. The Barry saga single-handedly has kept the rumour mill churning but with an apparent meagre budget, it’s, predominantly, been a story of all words and no action. I say predominately as the Liverpool squad has seen one major new addition in the shape of Robbie Keane. 15 goals last season not to mention his adaptability and eye for a pass will surely improve Torres chances of scoring more goals. And if this acquisition can convert a few of those frustrating draws into wins then Liverpool will finish a lot closer to the top spot. And there’s also the fact that the Irishmen enjoys facing Sunderland, having scored 3 goals against them in his last four matches.
Pundits Pick: It’s Robbie, not Roy, who’ll be keen to recall this encounter (away win)
Read our statistical guide to the New Foreign Signings, ‘Home Bankers’ & ‘Away Specialists’.
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Big Match Previews:
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Tags: Black cats, Football Predictions, footy 15, Liverpool, Match Preview, Premier 10, Premier League, reds, Sunderland
