Bruce ready for Liverpool test

Steve Bruce is backing Sunderland to build on their heroics at Manchester United as they face another stern test of their credentials.

The Black Cats were within seconds of a famous victory at Old Trafford a fortnight ago when Anton Ferdinand's unfortunate own goal rescued a point for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. That may have been hard luck on Bruce's side, but they get a chance to make amends on Saturday when Liverpool head for the Stadium of Light.
 
The Merseysiders have suffered a mixed start to their Premier League campaign having already lost to Tottenham, Aston Villa and Chelsea, and find themselves in sixth place in the table.
 
Bruce is well aware of the threat they represent this weekend, but is taking heart from former club Wigan's stunning 3-1 defeat of title hopefuls Chelsea last month.
 
He said: "The top teams do get beaten. It doesn't happen very often, we have to admit that, but they do get beaten. These big teams only lose two and three and four games - to win the league now, you lose three games, maybe.
 
"We know what we are up against, but the Premier League has still got little bits where it hits you. Who would have thought Wigan would beat Chelsea the other week? Not many - and it blew every pools coupon out of the road. It can be done - it's very, very difficult to do, of course, but you have got to go and play well, that's the main thing."
 
The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of Liverpool Football Club.