Not only are Sunderland searching for their first Premier League win of the season, they will also be heading into a league clash without a permanent manager when they host Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.
Kevin Ball, who oversaw the Black Cats' 2-0 win over Peterborough United in the Capital One Cup this week, will take charge of the team following the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio last weekend.
Despite rumours that former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet is a favourite for the position, reports have claimed that chairman Ellis Short is in no rush to appoint a successor.
As well as being without a manager, the club have confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher will be sidelined for six weeks with a shoulder injury.
For Liverpool, Luis Suarez is expected to start on Sunday following his return to action from a 10-match ban in the Reds' 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
The Merseyside outfit began the season with three straight wins followed by a draw and defeat, but Brendan Rodgers's man can keep up their pressure on the top spots with an away win this weekend.
Defender Daniel Agger is expected to return to the fold following a side strain, while Sunderland could keep with Lee Cattermole in midfield, despite going through a period of exile under Di Canio.
Fabio Borini, who is on loan at the Stadium of Light from Liverpool, will be ineligible to play against his parent club.
Recent form
Sunderland: LDLLL
Liverpool: WWWDL
Possible starting lineups
Sunderland: Westwood, Celustka, Colback, O'Shea, Cuellar; Johnson, Larsson, Cattermole, Ki; Giaccherini, Altidore
Liverpool: Mignolet; Toure, Agger, Skrtel, Enrique; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Moses, Sturridge, Suarez
Sports Mole says: 0-2
Danielle Joynson
