When Fabio Borini hurtled off down the tunnel after being sent off against Arsenal for two stupid yellow cards, we thought it might be the last we saw of the non-scoring Italian forward in a Liverpool shirt. But, shock of shocks, he starts today against Sunderland.

Gus Poyet suddenly being spoken to by Pawson, who has booked Coutinho for blocking the quick free-kick by Vergini.

Another booking from Pawson. This time he booked Bridcutt for a late nudge on Gerrard as the Liverpool skipper tried to cut a dash up the park from deep.

Sunderland have only won one of last ten Premier League meetings between these sides (five defeats, four draws) – their only win in that time was 1-0 at home in March 2012, when Nicklas Bendtner (56) scored.

Larsson with the spinning delivery from the corner, but solid goalkeeping by Mignolet to come off his line in punching the ball clear.

Markovic manages to track back to head out of his box from the Vergini cross. Sunderland then earn another corner seconds later.

Sunderland's fans trying to encourage the home side, but they are mixture of misplaced passes and hopefulness so far today.

Liverpool’s last three Premier League defeats when opening the scoring all came when they scored the first goal within the opening nine minutes of the match (scored in 2nd min of 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace, Nov 23rd; ninth min of 2-1 home versus Chelsea, Nov 8th; fourth min of 2-1 at Chelsea, Dec 2013).

Henderson decides to have a go at goal from distance, but he is leaning back as he lifts the ball miles over. Goalkick to Pantilimon.

Markovic hits the ball from 25 yards. So unfortunate. A terrific effort from the Liverpool man. Comes off the bar before hitting the back of Pantilimon, who was well beaten. Sunderland survive.

Gerrard throws the free-kick in at pace, but Pantilimon reacts quickest to palm the delivery over the bar. Dangerous moments for Sunderland.

Vergini is booked for a foul on Moreno. Looked like a good tackle, but he is somehow booked. Poor call by Pawson.

Plenty of wind, but Mignolet has hardly been tested. No high balls to deal with as he hammers a goalkick long down the park.

Sunderland have not won in their last 23 Premier League home matches when conceding first (15 defeats) – since their 2-1 home win versus Blackburn in Deceember 2011.

A neat little move by Liverpool, but Gerrard's shot is blocked after a well-worked short corner. And on we go here.

Coutinho with a nice little run and pass to Gerrard. Gerrard's shot deflects a few yards wide of goal. A corner to Liverpool.

The old cliche: you can't do nothing if you've not got the ball. At the moment, Sunderland are nowhere near the ball. So, so comfortable for the men in the yellow shirts.

Markovic starting this game very brightly for the visiting side. Pantilimon then wallops the ball clear under some pressure from Gerrard.

Markovic is yet to finish on the losing side in a Lge game where he has netted (for Partizan Belgrade & Benfica) – he has been on the winning side in 16 of his 18 Lge matches where has scored to date (two draws).

Lazar Markovic has scored his first Premier League goal – it is his first Premier League goal since netting in Benfica’s 1-0 Lge home win v Vitoria Guimaraes in Feb 2014.