Liverpool look a banker for away win at struggling Sunderland

If O’Shea fails to overcome a calf problem, Coates will have an even older partner in rusty veteran Wes Brown. A Black Cats backline pairing such as this will find stopping Liverpool scoring nigh on impossible.

One bright light for Sunderland in a bleak mid-winter has been the festive form of Fabio Borini – another that failed to rock the Kop. He’s scored in successive games before his battle with his old employers, albeit consolation goals.

Italy international Borini is worth taking, though, in an enhanced matchday special bet of 9/2 to score anytime. Punters can stake a maximum of £20 on this boosted price, which in the regular market is 7/2.

Benteke often batters Black Cats

When on Aston Villa’s books during better times for the West Midlands outfit, who like Allardyce’s side are already staring relegation in the face, Christian Benteke had a huge hand in crushing Sunderland.

The big Belgium frontman starred in a 6-1 thumping, hitting a hat-trick in 2013, but it is the brace he bagged when last visiting the Stadium of Light earlier this year in a 4-0 rout that added extra evidence to backing Benteke in scorer markets.

Available in an enhanced 5/2 wincast again with a maximum stake of £20, Benteke is also a super 6/1 shot to score two goals or more against the Black Cats yet again.

Having talked with Reds boss Klopp, he is looking to become more of a team player. “I spoke with the manager a few days ago about where I can improve and what he is expecting from me,” Benteke said. “I have to run more and I have to be there for my team-mates.”

Merseyside men should smash Sunderland

If Liverpool reproduce the breath-taking away displays that saw Southampton hit for six in the Capital One Cup, and Manchester City humbled in November, then another matchday special of 9/4 on an away win by two or more goals is worth investing in.

Klopp’s crew will have to do without Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge on Wearside, as neither are being risked for this trip. That means more is needed from Brazil international duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, who are both 7/4 anytime scorer shouts here.

Clean sheets on the road are also something of a novelty for the Reds, so yet another matchday special of 3/1 for an away win and both teams scoring should be considered.

Related

There’s much more Premier League football at our dedicated section.

Coral’s top tip: Liverpool are a terrific 3/1 to beat Sunderland with both teams scoring, and a maximum stake of £20.