Compelling Soccer

Sunderland v. Liverpool

Sunderland: 13 pts, 8th in the Premiership

Liverpool: 15 pts, 6th in the Premiership

Stakes: The standings these days aren't a pretty sight for the Reds. After the battle at Stamford Bridge could have seen Liverpool ascend to the top of the table, instead defeat has sent them spiraling back to the back. Whether or not it's a death spiral for the league title hopes remains to be seen, but things are not looking good for this clash with Sunderland. Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are out for this one, and to make matters worse it's on the road. 1st place? Try down near tenth if this one doesn't end well.

Thoughts on the Opposing Side: I thought Sunderland were struggling, but my initial instinct was wrong. They're actually 8th and got their best result of the season when they drew Manchester United in their last game. If that one is any indication they certainly can play entertaining matches. They also boast Trinidad striker Kenwyne Jones, and unlike the Americans I write about in these spots, he'll actually play. Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to see him. More on that later.

Questions I have: There is one question on everyone's mind; how do Liverpool fare sans their best two players. We're not just talking their best weapons, but the guys everything goes through on offense. Who moves up top to replace Torres; is it Kuyt? Is it Ryan Babel? Does youngster David Ngog get a look? And for the captain, do we see a Mascherano and Lucas combination. Everything else is secondary.

Will I Be Watching: Probably not sadly. I promised I'd help a friend this morning, so unless the place we go has WiFi (which it might) I'll be out of luck for this one.

Expectations: Because the Reds are so reliant on the duo, it's hard to envision them escaping a road test against a decent side with a win. The only saving grace is that outside of Man U, Sunderland hasn't played anyone noteworthy. Then again, sans Gerrard and Torres, is Liverpool that noteworthy?