5 key battles: Sunderland vs Liverpool

Stephane Sessegnon vs Joe Allen

Brendan Rodgers has begun the season in the most torrid way. His buys, bar Joe Allen, have been rather non-influential on the pitch. His last minute decision to loan out Carroll could cost him, and the inefficiency of the board to land anyone on deadline day could curtail Liverpool’s ascent to the top. However, Allen remains the sole positivity in an otherwise lackluster team. The Premier League’s best passer can fancy himself against the likes of Larsson and Sessegnon.

While Larsson is the more attacking presence, Sessegnon is the bigger role player. He can play defensively and his long balls could outshine Larsson. An ideal battle of power versus creativity, Sessegnon might prove to be the thorn in Liverpool’s and Allen’s gameplays this Saturday.

Steven Fletcher vs Martin Skrtel

From hero to zero in a matter of minutes, Skrtel saw it all against City. Versus Arsenal, he was nowhere close to his personal best. While that can be said of the entire Liverpool line-up, Skrtel has a huge assignment ahead of him against Steven Fletcher’s pace and trickery. If Fletcher is to go by anything of his Burnley and Wolves days, he is a highly skilled forward who can rip apart opponent’s defenses. Skrtel has been wayward since the season has begun while Fletcher is still accustoming to a new team under Martin O’Neil. An interesting affair awaits us in Liverpool’s half this game day.

Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini vs their inabilities to score

Will Liverpool ever score proficiently? It remains a question unanswered coming into this game. So far, Liverpool have scored two goals in the City draw and conceded 7. A team that prides itself in its defense has failed profusely while the attack has failed in living up to its hype. Should the Reds not score in this game again, Rodgers might reconsider his options up front. So far, his only entertaining displays have come from Allen with everybody else not showing up when it matters most. Will it change this game day?

Sebastian Larsson vs Nuri Sahin

Sahin has been the prime focus of Rodgers’ transfer window this off season. Rodgers not only stole him away from Arsenal but has centered his development for this season on the Turkish youngster. The past week, Sahin absolutely didn’t justify any of this. Will he rebuttle this game day? Sebastian Larsson might beg to differ.

The Swede has been Sunderland’s best player over the past few seasons with him scoring one screamer after another. In the middle of the park, Martin O’Neil fancies him as a leader who not only is efficient in dipping deadly crosses but also smart short passes that often decide games.

My heart says Sahin but my mind itches towards Larsson to shut out Sahin.

Martin O’Neil vs Brendan Rodgers

O’Neil has had eight months to accustom while the Northern Irishman is yet to adapt to the Liverpool lifestyle. Rodgers has been debilitated with Liverpool’s outcomes so far and O’Neil hasn’t been off the park either this season. The duo will battle it out to see who reigns over another in the tactical column. Rodgers plays a more adept form of football while O’Neil is renowned for saving up his best during the last thirty minutes of the game. A point to prove, the managers would be eager to see who comes out on top.