Ronny Goodlass talks tactics: Liverpool v Sunderland

Feb 2 2008

SUNDERLAND arrive at Anfield having won their last three home games, but with a poor record on their travels.

Defence

MANAGER Roy Keane broke the British transfer record to sign goalkeeper Craig Gordan and he has proved a calm and composed customer. An athletic keeper, he was Scotland’s young player of the year in 2003.

Phil Bardsley brings his tenacious tackling and competitive edge to the defence. He is comfortable on the ball.

Nyron Nosworthy has played most of his career as a right-back, but has showed up well at centre-half. He is tall, quick and good in the air with a competitive attitude.

Jonny Evans is another product of the Manchester United Academy and at 20 years of age has the ability to be a really top player. Another cool customer on the ball.

Former Chester player Danny Collins has filled the left-hand berth and such has been his consistency that he has become almost a permanent fixture.

Midfield

SUNDERLAND tend to go for a 4-4-2 formation with a holding midfielder.

Dwight Yorke has been using his experience to play that role and help the younger players in the side but a calf problem keeps him out at Anfield

New signing Andy Reid is another who could play that role, but he is recovering from a knee injury which may mean a reshuffle for Keane, who has Kieran Richardson available again.

Dean Whitehead will add the bite to the midfield while Liam Miller was ironically signed from Celtic as a potential replacement for Keane at United. It never quite worked out at Old Trafford but this hard-working player will pop up all over the field and loves to tackle.

Anthony Stokes struggled to break into the first team at Arsenal, but scored 18 goals in 16 appearances for Falkirk during a spell in Scotland on loan. Has pace, movement and an eye for goal and is still young enough to make the grade at the highest level.

Attack

KENWYNE Jones was watched by a lot of clubs, but it was Sunderland who took the plunge with a £6million deal. He plays with pace and power, has a great work ethic for the team and has shown he can score goals. Will only get better – the only shame is that he’s not English!

Keane may opt to bring Michael Chopra back in as his movement alongside Jones may trouble Liverpool.

He scored a lot of goals at Cardiff, and while he is not the biggest striker, his movement and touch means he must be watched. He comes alive in the penalty area, is a cool finisher and will run the channels for his team.

Daryl Murphy scored the first goal against Birmingham and such is his potential that Sunderland have signed him on a five year contract after the Irish under-21 international scored 21 goals for Waterford.

Rade Prica topped the scoring charts in the Danish Super League last year with 19. The Swedish international has scored goals wherever he has played.

Dangerman

KENWYNE JONES – an excellent first season in the Premier League and could pose problems – especially in the air.

Overall verdict

GIVEN their problems on their travels, Sunderland would be more than happy to go away with a point.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez cannot be happy with their lack of a win in the last five league games, but his side can put that right this afternoon.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON