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John Aldridge sends plea to Liverpool players ahead of Sunderland after Man United fail to win

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Liverpool could close the gap on their Champions League rivals when they clash with Sunderland.

Liverpool are predicted to draw with Regis Le Bris’ side, but that will do the current champions no favours.

After losing to Manchester City last time out, the Reds slipped four points behind fourth-place Manchester United.

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Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road.
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Michael Carrick’s side had won four in a row and were expected to beat a struggling West Ham United.

However, both Utd and fifth-place Chelsea dropped points in their games on Tuesday.

John Aldridge urges Liverpool to beat Sunderland

It means Liverpool could close the gap on Man Utd to three points if they beat Sunderland.

Ahead of the meeting at the Stadium of Light, former Reds player John Aldridge has sent a plea to the current squad.

He said: “If we can’t respond after an hiccup from Chelsea and Man U tomorrow and make some sort of statement, then we deserve what we get!!

“The 1st time for a few weeks we can catch up on em.

“Sunderland have been brill unbeaten at home, so come on lads and give us a lift please!!”

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Roy Hodgson and Arne Slot records at Liverpool
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Liverpool’s head-to-head record with Sunderland

Liverpool’s recent Premier League form suggests they will struggle to grant Aldridge’s wish.

They have won just one in seven in the league, while Sunderland have a superb record at home this season.

Throughout history, though, the Reds have dominated this fixture.

Liverpool have won 79 times compared to Sunderland’s 52, with the recent record even more in the away side’s favour.

In the last 16 meetings between the two sides across all competitions since 2010, the North East outfit have picked up just one win.