LIVERPOOL
Reina
Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio
Adam, Lucas, Henderson, Downing
Kuyt, Carroll
SUNDERLAND
Mignolet
Elmohamady, Ferdinand, Brown, Bardsley
Larsson, Colback, Cattermole, Gardner
Sessegnon
Gyan
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard (groin) has been ruled out of action until September, while Glen Johnson sustained a thigh injury during the friendly against Valencia.
Martin Skrtel missed most of the pre-season due to a calf injury and would appear unlikely to be fully fit for the season opener, while Luis Suarez is expected to be rested having only recently returned to training following the Copa America.
Steve Bruce also has some worries ahead of the first game of the season as new signing John O'Shea is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Fraizer Campbell, Craig Gordon and David Meyler are all out of action due to knee injuries.
DID YOU KNOW?
Liverpool have been very successful against Sunderland in the past few years, with the last 10 Premier League meetings resulting in eight victories, one draw and just one defeat. And even that loss was due to the infamous beach ball incident in 2009.
Furthermore, the Black Cats have been goal shy against the Merseysiders in their last 10 league clashes, finding the back of the net on only three occasions. However, two of those three goals came last season in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
The Reds have been leaking goals in defence through pre-season, conceding 12 times in their last five friendlies.
Sunderland have also had many a hiccup during the pre-season, winning only one of their last eight friendlies.
The visitors won their last two league games away from home but their form, at the time, was in a miserable state as the last 14 games of the previous season saw them lose on 10 occasions.
Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson (pictured right) is expected to make his league debut for Kenny Dalglish's side against his former club on Saturday, after having spent his youth career and three years as a professional under the Black Cats' banner.
Prediction
Liverpool and Sunderland have both active in the transfer marker to better their squads during the off-season, but their rejuvenation at the end of last season coupled with some significant new arrivals should spell a victory for the hosts.
Editor Prediction
Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland 
