Evening all! It may be a new year but some things never change. Manchester United and Manchester City were both comfortable winners in their respective matches yesterday. Meanwhile, Arsenal struggled to a 1-1 draw against lowly Southampton. Our focus this evening switches to two teams who have hardly set the Premier League alight thus far.

Liverpool rarely take a step forward without taking another one back this season and therefore they will be keen to follow up their win over QPR with three points this evening. They have won against West Ham United and Fulham in recent weeks, leading to Reds boss Brendan Rodgers suggesting that the club could finish inside the top two. However, those victories have been marred by defeats against Aston Villa and Stoke City.

Liverpool did enjoy cup success last season, but in the Premier League their form continues to disappoint. In fact, they managed just 46 points from 39 league games in 2012 - that ratio is about the same as the 40 points from 38 matches, which is considered as enough to survive relegation from the Premier League. That is in contrast to rivals Manchester United, who have gained 93 points during the same period.

However, Rodgers’s side have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Only Manchester United (five) have won more of their last six league matches than Liverpool. However, the Reds’ form in January does not make good reading with only six wins from their last 21 league matches in the opening month of the year.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Liverpool have won only two of their last seven league fixtures against Sunderland, before which they had won each of the previous six. Meanwhile, recent history points to a low-scoring game between the two sides with each of the last four meetings producing fewer than 2.5 goals. And it probably comes as no surprise that Liverpool have hit more shots off target than any other team this season (165).

BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Andre Wisdom returns to the Liverpool team this evening. Meanwhile, there are also starts for Jordan Henderson against his former club and Lucas as he continues to recover from a long-term injury. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has also recovered from illness to take his place on the bench. Sunderland team news will follow.

LIVERPOOL XI: Reina; Wisdom, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson; Gerrard, Henderson, Lucas; Downing, Sterling, Suarez

For those wishing to for me to dive further into the record books, I have obliged. There have been a total of 159 meetings between the two sides in all competitions, with Liverpool holding the advantage with 72 wins to Sunderland's 52. Meanwhile, the additional 35 matches have ended with a share of the spoils. The most recent encounter between these two sides at Anfield, as mentioned, was played in August 2011 and the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.

Liverpool also hit the woodwork on 26 occasions in 2012, more than any other team in the league. They have started to find the back of the net on a regular basis in recent weeks, however, with Luis Suarez a main reason for their success. The Uruguayan has 13 league goals to his name this season and has scored in three of his last four appearances against the Black Cats. Like him or loathe him, he is the heartbeat of this Liverpool team.

Liverpool have only won back-to-back Premier League games once this season, however, and face a Sunderland team that has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. That said, the Black Cats have never beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League and they have only beaten the Reds three times in 23 meetings. An interesting statistic to bring you: The highest-scoring match between the two clubs came in a 6-5 win for Sunderland in December 1930.

Teams in full...

LIVERPOOL: Reina; Wisdom, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson; Gerrard, Henderson, Lucas; Downing, Sterling, Suarez

SUNDERLAND: Mignolet; Rose, Kilgallon, Cuellar, Gardner; Johnson, Colback, Larsson, McClean; Fletcher, Sessegnon

In Liverpool’s way this evening is a Sunderland side that largely struggled for consistent form. Having signed Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher in the summer, it was expected that the Black Cats would enjoy a comfortable season in the top flight, but they are just four points outside of the relegation positions.

They have enjoyed recent wins over Reading, Southampton and Manchester City, however, and have conceded just five goals in their last five league matches, three of which came against Manchester United on December 15. They will once more look to Fletcher to score their goals. The club are unbeaten in the league this season when the Scottish international has scored.

Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill is also no stranger to facing Liverpool. He has pitted his wits against the Reds 18 times in the Premier League, winning six, drawing seven and losing five. However, he has overseen just one win in his side’s last 15 Premier League fixtures on the road. You just get the feeling that if they are to take something this evening then they will have to ride their luck for large periods of the 90 minutes.

Sunderland kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League in 2012, however, with only Manchester City (17) bettering that record. Their last line of defence this evening is the much-coveted Belgian Simon Mignolet. When the defence was being chopped and changed in the early stages of the season, Mignolet remained the constant and his form has certainly not gone unnoticed. You expect that he will be busy this evening.

Sunderland’s record this season is less impressive. In the past 10 Premier League matches, the Black Cats have won three, drawn one and lost six. However, the fact that they have scored at least once in their past seven Premier League fixtures does point to an open game of football this evening. Stephane Sessegnon – who was so impressive in the previous campaign – has also started to find a bit of form for the Black Cats.

Prior to the match Liverpool skipper Gerrard – who has scored in his last two games at Anfield – told the BBC: “Going into the New Year there is plenty to be positive about. I'm excited about this Liverpool team. I genuinely believe we are moving in the right direction.” If that is the case than you just get the feeling that tonight’s match is the type of game that they just have to win. There has been too much talk and too many disappointments for their fans in recent seasons.

Just a quick note on Liverpool boss Rodgers. He was not in charge of the team for Sunday’s win over QPR. Instead Colin Pascoe and first-team coach Mike Marsh deputised in place of the Northern Irishman. However, he returns this evening. It appears that the sickness bug is thriving in the cold weather. I am another who has fallen victim to the elements. But the show must go on.

Another unwelcome statistic for Liverpool is that they are attempting to move away from what would be their worst-ever finish in the Premier League. Never have they finished lower than eighth, where they were placed in the 1993-94 and 2011-12 seasons. However, ask any Liverpool supporter and they would be keen to challenge for Champions League football rather than secure a place inside the top eight, behind the likes of Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

I couldn’t cover a match between Liverpool and Sunderland without mentioning that infamous fixture in October 2009. Anyone remember the beach ball?! Liverpool – who were without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard – were beaten by a single strike from Darren Bent, with his effort taking a deflection off of a Liverpool-branded beach ball. Referee Mike Jones awarded the goal and Sunderland picked up all three points. I shall see if I can spot any beach equipment this evening.

Here we go then. We are just about five minutes from kickoff this evening which can only mean one thing. Time for my pre-match prediction. I do not think it will be straightforward for Liverpool this evening, but I just cannot see any way how they do not win this football match. Suarez has been in such sensational form that I am backing him to score in a 3-1 victory for the Reds.

Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It is worth noting that Liverpool’s new striker Daniel Sturridge is in the crowd this evening. Here’s a word from former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker on the Englishman via Twitter: “If Daniel Sturridge becomes the player he thinks he is, he could be one hell of a signing for Liverpool."

Here we go then. Tonight’s referee is Phil Dowd. Just a final reminder on the team news. Liverpool have all their big guns available with Suarez leading the line. He will be supported by Sterling and Downing in wide areas. Meanwhile, Sunderland also name a strong team with Fletcher through the middle. The away side get the action underway.

Decent start from Sunderland with Colback and Larsson both enjoying early touches of the ball. Danny Rose attempts to force the issue down the Liverpool right as he fires a long pass towards Sessegnon, but Jose Reina is on hand to quell the danger. Good atmosphere inside Anfield this evening.

Liverpool have certainly taken control of the possession inside the opening four minutes with Johnson and Downing combining down the left, but Rose comes across to make the clearance. However, Sessegnon has taken up some dangerous positions thus far. Early signs are that this one will not end 0-0.

First real sign of attacking football from Liverpool as Agger advances forward and combines with Suarez on the edge of the penalty area, but Johnson nips in before winning a free kick down the other end. The winger whips the free kick into a good area, but the danger is cleared for a corner by Skrtel.

Half-chance from the resulting corner as Gardner makes contact with the cross at the near post, but his header is just deflected away for a throw. The resulting set piece is taken by Colback, but eventually the danger is cleared. Really good spell for Sunderland with eight minutes on the clock. Martin O'Neill prowls the touchline with a determined look on his face.

Liverpool have their first effort towards goal as Wisdom collects possession on the right before attempting to find Mignolet off his line, but the strike is just high of the Belgian's goal. Wisdom again threatens as he demonstrates a burst of speed down the right, but his cross is headed clear by Cuellar.

Liverpool continue to look the most likely as they pass and probe in the Sunderland half, but the Sunderland defence has thus far stood strong. The home side do create a good opportunity as Cuellar fells Downing outside the penalty area, but his effort is pushed past the post by a smart save from the Sunderland goalkeeper.

Another half-chance for the home side as Henderson ghosts into the penalty area before attempting to flick his header past Mignolet, but the Sunderland goalkeeper reads the danger and launches a counter-attack for his side. The long pass is towards Sessegnon, but the talented midfielder cannot collect and Reina has possession.

Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes. Liverpool continue to enjoy the better of the possession, but passes into Suarez in and around the penalty area have failed to stick thus far. Sessegnon looks the most likely for the away side, but we have seen nothing from Fletcher inside the opening 16 minutes of football.

Decent spell for Sunderland in the last couple of moments with Rose and Gardner both looking for Fletcher with searching balls into the Liverpool penalty area, but Reina comes to collect on each occasion. The early tempo has just disappeared as Liverpool continue to struggle to find their men in and around the Sunderland box.

We have some wonderful wingers on display from both sides this evening, but McClean has been the pick of the bunch so far. Not because of his ability to attack, but his defensive cover as meant that Liverpool have failed to threaten in the wide areas. Sterling attempts to whip a searching ball into the box, but it drifts behind for a goal kick.

Wow. Liverpool take the lead against the run of play as Sterling collects a pass from Gerrard before lifting the ball over the onrushing Mignolet. The Sunderland defence were caught ever so square in that move. This Sterling is going to be some player.

Suddenly it's all Liverpool with Downing and Sterling coming into the middle of the pitch and causing Sunderland all sorts of problems. Another free kick creates a chance for Liverpool as Cuellar fells Henderson, but Gerrard plays it short and eventually the danger is cleared.

CHANCE! OH MY WORD. The best chance of the match for Sunderland comes to McClean as the winger combines with Fletcher before driving into the Liverpool box, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the target. He simply had to score. Liverpool threaten down the other end with Suarez, but Cuellar is across to clear once more.

End-to-end football at the moment with both teams threatening to add to their tally. However, in truth there has been just two standout chances thus far. One for Sterling which was taken and one for McClean which was not. The margins are that fine in Premier League football. Just about 20 minutes of the first half remaining.

Liverpool have their second of the match and it's wonderful play from Suarez as the striker drives past Cuellar before finding the bottom corner with a powerful finish. That is four goals in five games against Sunderland. It could well be game over.

Sunderland have been their own worst enemies in the opening 29 minutes of this match. It is clear that the Black Cats have come to play this evening, but they have committed men forward all too often and it has led to them being 2-0 behind. They have to score next goal. Or it really will be game over.

The pressure remains from Liverpool as Sterling collects possession on the right before whipping a low cross into the penalty area, but Downing cannot make proper contact and it drifts out for a goal kick. Sunderland attempt to gain some sort of control with a period of possession, but the Reds are in the mood this evening.

Decent response from Sunderland as they force a couple of corners with some slick passing. An effort eventually comes from Larsson, but his strike is straight at Reina. Liverpool breakaway once more with Suarez, but the striker cannot find Gerrard and the danger is cleared. It is such an incredibly open match.

You just get the feeling that this match is not gone for Sunderland. Liverpool have started with pace and power, but they do give you chances in defence. The Black Cats look threatening with Fletcher as he feeds Sessegnon, but the midfielder just cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Henderson tests Mignolet from long range down the other end.

CHANCE! Another glorious chance for Sunderland as Larsson strikes a powerful effort from a wide position, Reina is on hand to make the save, but Kilgallon is first on the scene and just fires wide of the post. It really should be 2-1. Sunderland are just as dangerous as Liverpool make no mistake about that.

Little over five minutes of the half remaining and the match remains end-to-end. McClean continues to threaten down the Sunderland left as he dances past a couple of challenges before firing a cross into the penalty area, but Gerrard makes the clearance. It's the away side on the attack as we stand.

Liverpool break with pace and power once more as Suarez evades the challenge of Rose before finding Downing on the right, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner. Sunderland just cannot deal with Suarez at the moment. He is the best player on the pitch by a million miles. Liverpool still remain 2-0 ahead with the opening half drawing to a close.

Half-chance for Liverpool as Sterling is fouled outside the penalty area by Rose. The resulting free kick is taken by Downing, but the delivery is poor and Gardner is on hand to clear for a corner. The winger is once more on hand to take the set piece, but again the danger is cleared. Another goal at this point would surely wrap up the victory.

Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minutes of football at the end of the half. In terms of the overall play, the match has been fairly even. But wonderful goals from Sterling and Suarez as it stands separate the two sides.

So there we have it. Liverpool enter the break 2-0 ahead courtesy of goals from Sterling and Suarez. As it stands the home side would move into eighth position in the table. Meanwhile, Sunderland would drop to 15th.

Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Liverpool have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had nine attempts to Sunderland's three. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could decide the overall result.

There are two other Premier League fixtures taking place this evening. Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers are currently level at 0-0 at the interval. Meanwhile, Newcastle lead Everton 1-0 in the 8pm start. In case you missed the news earlier, Demba Ba is almost certainly on his way to Chelsea.

Looking ahead to the second period. I would be surprised if Liverpool made changes unless injury strikes. Joe Allen would be the obvious option with his ability to keep hold of the possession. Meanwhile, Sunderland have a host of attacking options on the bench with Frazier Campbell and Connor Wickham both itching for some football.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. In case you missed the opening half of coverage, take a look at our half-time report. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action. The home side get the action underway.

Decent start to the second period from the home side with Gerrard and Lucas both enjoying early touches of the ball. It has just been brought to my attention that there has indeed been a change at the interval with Campbell replacing Sessegnon for Sunderland. His pace will surely unnerve the Liverpool defence.

Suarez again bursts into life as the striker collects possession on the right before turning and driving into the penalty area, but his final effort is just wide of the post. Mignolet restarts play with a goal kick, but he plays it short and forces Colback to concede the free kick against Gerrard.

Again it's bright work from the home side as Johnson combines with Downing before whipping a high cross into the penalty area, but Cuellar just makes the clearance with Suarez lurking. Fletcher attempts to find the run of Campbell down the other end, but it is too long for the former Manchester United striker.

Half-chance for Liverpool once more as Suarez collects possession before feeding Sterling in the penalty area, but the young winger cannot find the target and Mignolet collects. It was almost game over within that last attack. The game is ever so stretched once more.

Suarez has his second of the evening as he collects a long pass from Gerrard before calmly rolling the ball past the onrushing Mignolet. The ball was simply perfect from the Reds skipper. However, Cuellar had an absolute horror show once more as he lost his bearings.

That could well be game over with that strike from Suarez. He was not won too many friends in the past couple of seasons, but his ability on the pitch cannot be called into question. He comes close to collecting a long pass from Gerrard once more, but this time Mignolet comes to collect the danger.

It's all ever so drab from Sunderland as they pass and probe, but without any real purpose. Meanwhile, the home side make their first chance of the evening as Sterling is replace by Allen. The Swansea City midfielder will just add some passing ability to the midfield area. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining.

Again it's good work from the home side as Gerrard combines with Suarez in the Sunderland box, but this time Cuellar comes across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Downing, but Campbell heads clear. Suarez wins a free kick outside the box moments later, but it comes to nothing.

Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. Liverpool continue to dominate possession of the ball as they pass and probe in the Sunderland half. In truth this match was over as a contest when Suarez added his second.

Meanwhile, Sunderland make their first change of the evening as James McFadden replaces Larsson, who has been disappointing this evening. The Scot has not played a lot of football over the past couple of seasons but is certainly a talent. Little over 25 minutes of football to play in this match.

Again it's good work from the home side as Gerrard threads a low pass towards Downing, but he was just crowded out in the final third. Liverpool are playing some really good football at the moment and the crowd are responding to their performance. Still nothing from Sunderland in this second period.

Liverpool continue to pass and probe outside the Sunderland penalty area. This time Downing whips a high cross into the box, Gerrard strikes a thumping effort, but Mignolet just manages to push the danger over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Liverpool make their second change of the evening as Suso replaces Henderson.

Suarez comes close to adding his third of the evening as he collects possession outside the penalty area before shaping an effort towards the top corner, but Mignolet just comes across to collect. Sunderland attempt to counter down the other end, but Campbell cannot find his strike partner Fletcher.

The home side continue to dominate possession in the Sunderland half as they search for their fourth of the evening. In fairness to the away side they are attempting to attack each time they have a sight of the ball. But it has just not happened. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.

Another half-chance for Liverpool as Allen pounces on a loose ball inside the penalty area, but Rose just comes across to make the block and clear for a corner. He has been the standout defender for the away side this evening but he will return to parent club Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season. Sunderland had hoped to make the move permanent, but Andre Villas-Boas has plans for the Englishman next season.

Sunderland make their second change of the evening as Rose is replaced by David Vaughan. It appears that Colback will move into the left-back position. Meanwhile, Liverpool also make a change of their own as Skrtel is replaced by Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net as Johnson drives into the penalty area before finding the bottom corner, but the flag was just raised for offside. Sunderland attempt to advance down the other end with Johnson, but the former Manchester City midfielder cannot keep possession and the danger is cleared.

The match has just become ever so flat in the past few moments. Both teams know that the match is over and neither is really threatening to add to their tally. The biggest cheer in the past 10 minutes or so erupted when Johnson sliced a cross out of play. It has been that kind of evening for the Black Cats.

Another half-chance comes to the home side as Johnson strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but it just moved past the post. As it stands, Liverpool are heading for their eighth clean sheet in their past 15 matches. That will surely please Rodgers as he continues to build a side at Anfield.

Fletcher finally comes to life inside the Liverpool penalty area as he turns on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but it takes a deflection and moves behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Campbell, but Reina comes to collect before setting up a counter for the home side.

Another long-range strike from Gerrard threatens to add Liverpool's fourth of the evening, but he cannot find the target from outside the box. Allen demonstrates good ability as he combines with Suarez inside the Sunderland box moments later, but he just fires wide.

Liverpool have the ball in the back of the net as Allen fires his effort into the top corner, but once more the offside flag was raised and the midfielder is denied his first goal for the Reds. Suso attempts to feed Suarez with a searching ball moments later, but it is too long for the striker.

The Liverpool anthem rings around Anfield as we approach the final stages of this match. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football. Sunderland simply have to move on quickly with West Ham United next to come in the Premier League.

Liverpool continue to dominate possession in the final couple of moments as Sunderland chase shadows. The final 30 minutes of this match has been a complete non-event. This win will take Liverpool above Swansea City and Stoke City into eighth.

The referee blows his whistle as Liverpool claim the 3-0 win over a poor Sunderland team. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and look out for my analysis which will be available before 10pm. I bid you a good evening.