Sunderland Boss Gus Poyet: City Defeat Won't Derail Us

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has backed his players to shrug off their Sergio Aguero blues and prove once again that they are a team for the big occasion when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

A gruelling week which started with a gutsy goalless draw against Chelsea turned sour on Wednesday night when Aguero scored two and set up another in Manchester City's 4-1 win at the Stadium of Light.

It shattered the Black Cats' fine recent record against the best in the Barclays Premier League but Poyet insisted that despite their inevitable fatigue his players can retain the confidence which swept them to survival last term.

Poyet said: "I don't think we need to repair anything but the idea is to keep believing. I think it was more of a dream that we were in a position not to lose any of these three games in a row.

"I think the players know they played against one of the most in-form strikers in the world right now. It does matter how you defend but even then (Aguero) can do something special, so that kind of helped.

"The players need to recover. They don't have time to complain or put themselves down – they need to go there and take the opportunity to take the three points."

Poyet will look to freshen up his starting line-up for his side's third big game in a week with Wes Brown and Adam Johnson available again after injury, and Ricky Alvarez pushing for a start after coming off the bench in midweek.

And while the Uruguayan acknowledged the unforgiving fixture schedule means some of his players may be running on empty against Brendan Rodgers' men, he believes there may not be a better time for the Black Cats to claim their first win at Anfield in 31 years.

Not only are Rodgers' side struggling to live up the expectations raised by last season's title near-miss but they are also facing a crucial Champions League clash with Basle next week.

Poyet added: "This has probably been one of the toughest (weeks) – you are always willing to challenge yourselves against extremely good managers and players but all in a row in one week is not ideal.

"(But) there are times when you need to make sure you take that opportunity, knowing how difficult it has been so far for Liverpool and the expectation created this season because of what happened last season.

"Also with the Champions League three or four days after – there are plenty of things there that mean if we play our proper game we have a chance.

"We need to be brave – that's the word we're going to use the most this weekend. We are going in there willing to play and make it difficult in both ways, offensive and defensive."