#team-news

#team-news

Signing off their pre-tournament preparations with a routine 2-0 win against Oman, the former Clermont coach has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Storming their way to next summer's World Cup finals over in North America, the Ivory Coast have also gained a reputation for their rugged defensive steel.

However, despite enjoying what was an eye-catching flurry on either side of November's international break, Chris Davies' men have gone crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen putting in a nightmare display as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming away at Sheffield United, Birmingham have collected just one-point from any of their previous four consecutive Championship appearances.

Already storming their way to a Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket, Brian Priske's side have registered 10 points from their five group stage appearances. Last seen in European action landing a 2-1 win away at Romanian outfit Universitatea Craiova, Sparta should also be excited by their defensive steel. Landing a 1-0 win against Legia Warsaw last month, Sparta have shipped just three Europa Conference League goals this year.

Starting with the hosts, while Sporting Gijon might have found themselves at the heart of a worrying rut on either side of November's international break, Borja Jimenez's side have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion over the past fortnight. Last seen over the weekend putting in another gritty performance as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against Granada, Los Rojiblancos have found a route back into the play-off places.

Sunderland are aiming to stay above Newcastle when the neighbours meet in the Premier League on Sunday. The Black Cats start the day 10th in the table and remain unbeaten at home in this season's top flight. Newcastle are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions, including a 2-2 draw at Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday. 101GreatGoals.com has full team news from Sunderland vs Newcastle in the Premier League, as well as details on how to watch the action live.

Starting with the hosts, eventually storming their way to what was a routine 4-1 romp away at rock-bottom Wolves last time out, Manchester United will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, although Ruben Amorim's men might have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine consecutive Premier League appearances, it is no secret that the Red Devils are still searching for some much-welcomed stability.

Forest go into the game in 16th-place in the table having won two of their first five matches. They were very poor in losing 3-0 at Everton at the weekend and Sean Dyche will be looking for a significant improvement from his players. The Tricky Trees have not conceded a goal in Europe since Dyche took charge and have a positive record against Dutch clubs, winning three of their previous four meetings.

Starting with the hosts, claiming what was a much-welcomed boost earlier in the week as they snatched a 1-0 victory away at Pisa, Parma will be desperate to use that gritty performance as a platform to build on. However, despite eventually dragging themselves over the finish line last season as they clung to their Serie A status, it appears that the Crusaders could be destined for another relegation scrap this time around.

It's normal that the mood drifted a bit [during a run of six defeats in seven matches], but it should be like this at a club like this. Liverpool are still a top-class side and the reigning champions. There is lots of fluctuation and, over the course of 38 games, you will have times when you don't have your best performance.