Sunderland welcomed back ex-Liverpool player Bolo Zenden, Nedum Onuoha and captain Lee Cattermole from injury, but none were risked in the starting line-up, all instead taking their places on the subs’ bench. Dalglish’s injury woes continued, with Gerrard stll missing following his groin operation and Kelly, Aurelio and Shelvey all still missing. But there was some good news too. For the first time both Suarez and Carroll were neither cup-tied nor injured – so they were starting a competitive game together for the first time since they signed in  January. Daniel Agger was also declared fit and started in the centre of defence.

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