Team News: Joe Allen returns for Liverpool

Joe Allen is back for Liverpool as they host struggling Sunderland at Anfield this afternoon.

Lucas Leiva drops to the bench in just one change from manager Jurgen Klopp, who will not be present today due to suspected appendicitis.

Daniel Sturridge returns after two months out with a hamstring injury and will start the game from the bench as the Reds look to avenge their defeat to league leaders Leicester City in midweek.

For the visiting Black Cats, Sam Allardyce makes two alterations to the side that lost to Manchester City at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

Jeremain Lens suffered a knock in the game while former Reds man Fabio Borini has no place in the matchday squad, with Wahbi Khazri earning his full debut and Duncan Watmore in to replace them.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Allen, Lallana, Milner, Firmino Subs: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Sturridge, Lucas, Ibe, Flanagan

Sunderland: Mannone; Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea, Kone, Kirchhoff; Cattermole, M'Vila, Khazri, Watmore; Defoe Subs: Pickford, Brown, Rodwell, N'Doye, Johnson, Toivonen, Yedlin

Follow live coverage of the game with Sports Mole's text commentary here.