Alious
Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher have delivered contrasting predictions ahead of Sunderland’s huge Premier League showdown with Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
The Black Cats go into the midweek encounter sitting just three points behind Liverpool in the league table, with both sides desperate to bounce back after suffering defeats last weekend.
Sunderland may have lost 3-0 away at Arsenal, but Regis Le Bris’ side earned plenty of praise for a determined performance against the league leaders. Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered a damaging late collapse in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, piling even more pressure on Arne Slot’s men.
That defeat leaves Liverpool six points off the top four with only 13 games remaining, and Slot has admitted his team now has no room for error if they are to salvage Champions League qualification.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Dutch coach stressed that Liverpool must be almost flawless for the rest of the campaign.
He said the Reds must aim for “close to perfection,” highlighting how difficult it is to close the gap on teams higher up the table who consistently pick up points.
However, despite Slot’s rallying cry, Liverpool’s recent struggles have led to growing belief that Sunderland could capitalise—especially with their outstanding home form this season.
And that is exactly what Ally McCoist is expecting.
McCoist Tips Sunderland to Punish Liverpool Again
Appearing on TNT Sports, McCoist praised Sunderland’s performances and believes the Stadium of Light could once again prove a nightmare for Liverpool.
“Sunderland’s home form has been incredible,” McCoist said, adding that even in defeat against Arsenal, the Black Cats showed enough quality and resilience to worry any opponent.
He also suggested Liverpool’s current problems are far from over, predicting their slump will continue on Wearside.
McCoist has backed Sunderland to claim a famous 2-1 win, following up their impressive 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier in the season.
Fletcher Also Worried – But Predicts a Draw
While Darren Fletcher shares McCoist’s concerns about Liverpool, he believes Sunderland may have to settle for a point rather than all three.
Fletcher admitted he “fears for Liverpool at the minute,” pointing to their lack of confidence and vulnerability in recent matches.
He also highlighted a key blow for the visitors, with Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, further weakening an already shaky Liverpool side.
Fletcher believes Sunderland’s unbeaten home record makes them extremely hard to beat, and he cannot see the Black Cats losing this one.
However, unlike McCoist, he has predicted a 1-1 draw, suggesting Liverpool may just do enough to escape Wearside without another damaging defeat.
A Massive Night Under the Lights
With Sunderland flying at home and Liverpool under mounting pressure, the clash is being billed as one of the most exciting fixtures of the week—one that could have huge implications for both the European race and the momentum of the season.
McCoist says Sunderland will win it.
Fletcher says Liverpool will survive—but only just.
Alious
