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.

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.

Borini picks up a booking for a late challenge on Giaccherini in the middle of the park. On we go here as Sakho heads clear from the O'Shea headed flick.

Sunderland earn a corner after some eager play by Giaccherini. Larsson with the corner. Breaks to Johnson at the other end, but headed clear by Lucas.

Seb Larsson with one of his trademark free-kicks, but the ball flies straight into the arms of the Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Liam Bridcutt bundled over in the centre of the park by Steven Gerrard, but the move comes to nothing. All very comfortable for Liverpool.

Wonder if Raheem Sterling is enjoying the action from his holiday retreat in Jamaica. Liverpool not missing the England winger so far.

Fabio Borini with the pass for the opening goal. Liverpool continue to look content with this counter attacking game on a blustery afternoon.

Can't say that goal wasn't coming. Liverpool have their rewards for a bright opening to this match.

GOAL! Marvokic dashes through the middle of the Sunderland defence before sending the ball through the legs of Pantilimon. Fine finish, and Liverpool have the lead. 1-0.

Sunderland are winless in their last five PL matches against Liverpool (D2-L3).

It was the pass from Coutinho that sliced open that home defence for the penalty appeal. Liverpool looking to be patient as Giaccherini cuts out the Markovic cross.

Sakho on the ball for Liverpool. They move it from side to side with some relish. Difficult conditions, but Liverpool looking to keep it on the deck.

Bad decision by the referee Craig Pawson. Looked a certain penalty. Should have awarded the visitors a penalty. Brendan Rodgers none too pleased with the call.

Markovic takes a tumble under pressure from Brown. Appeals for a penalty, but nothing doing. Referee waves play on.

These sides played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield earlier this season on Dec 6th. Liverpool have not failed to score in successive top-flight matches against Sunderland since Oct 1983-Feb 1984. Horrendous day for football with so much wind. Liverpool on the ball early on.

Off we go then at the Stadium of Light. Liverpool in their changed strips of yellow.