Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill will be without suspended duo Lee Cattermole and Stephane Sessegnon for the Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Midfielder Cattermole starts a four-match ban after being sent off at the end of last Sunday's 1-1 derby draw at Newcastle during which Sessegnon, who will sit out three games, was red-carded for elbowing Cheick Tiote.

Full-back Kieran Richardson is a major doubt with a calf problem and loan signing Wayne Bridge is standing by, although John O'Shea is expected to play with a protective cast over a broken bone in his hand and fellow central defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos (heel) could return to contention, but Keiren Westwood (wrist) is still out.

The Black Cats welcome the Carling Cup winners to the Stadium of Light looking for a first win in four league games and having taken just a single point from the last nine on offer.

O'Neill will go head-to-head with another Celtic old boy, Kenny Dalglish, a manager he holds in high regard.

He said: "Kenny Dalglish has been a wonderful footballer for a start, and an excellent manager, and his spells at Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers have proved that.

"He is back again and not long involved in the job, and has got a trophy in the Liverpool cabinet, so from that viewpoint, I have got nothing but admiration for him.''

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and defender Glen Johnson are set to return to the squad.

Gerrard sustained a minor hamstring problem on England duty, while Johnson pulled out before the friendly against Holland, and both missed last weekend's home defeat by Arsenal.

Daniel Agger is still out with a cracked rib so Jamie Carragher will continue in central defence.

Dalglish recognises the impact O'Neill has had, even if they have taken only a point from their last three matches, without the need for drastic changes to his squad.

"It was a surprise to see Steve Bruce get the sack but obviously results were not impressive and it puts everyone under pressure,'' said the Reds boss.

"They have had a great turnaround. There are not that many players who have come in to change it so obviously they are playing with greater commitment and are playing much better now.

"The results give them confidence and belief which they didn't have beforehand.

"They've done very well since he went in there and made themselves very difficult to beat.

"It is going to be a difficult task for us but I've never been up there and it has been easy so it won't be much change for us.''


Match

Sunderland to win