Liverpool forward Luis Suarez could be involved despite only returning to training on Monday after playing in Uruguay's Copa America triumph.
Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel are injured and Glen Johnson (thigh) is doubtful, but Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam could debut.
Sunderland's John O'Shea is sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Fellow new boys Wes Brown, Craig Gardner, David Vaughan, Sebastian Larsson and Connor Wickham may feature.
Last season's corresponding result
Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland.
Sunderland's last five opening day results
H | Sunderland 2 - 2 Birmingham City | 2010/11
A | Bolton 0 - 1 Sunderland | 2009/10
H | Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool | 2008/09
H | Sunderland 1 -0 Tottenham Hotspur | 2007/08
A | Coventry City 2 - 1 Sunderland | 2006/07
Liverpool's last five opening day results
H | Liverpool 1 -1 Arsenal | 2010/11
A | Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 1 Liverpool | 2009/10
A | Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool | 2008/09
A | Aston Villa 1 - 2 Liverpool | 2007/08
A | Sheffield United 1 - 1 Liverpool | 2006/07
Last edited by Scott on Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:06 am; edited 1 time in total