Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs Sheffield United
Liverpool will look to keep their title ambitions alive as they travel to Sheffield United on Wednesday night. Off the back of an absolute thriller of a 4-3 victory over Fulham on Sunday, the Reds currently sit just two points off the top of the table. With Sheffield United currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, Jurgen Klopp will see this game as a fantastic opportunity to make up ground in the title race.
Although many would point out this fixture as the one to rotate the side, Klopp will want to make sure of three points on Wednesday. Therefore, you can expect a few changes to the side that beat Fulham but not wholesale changes. Today we’re going to be predicting Klopp’s starting XI whilst discussing some of the key talking points.
Defensive Strategy
Caoimhin Kelleher will remain in between the sticks with the magnificent Alisson Becker absent through injury. The Irishman, arguably to blame for two of Fulham’s goals at the weekend, will need a much-improved performance.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold will look to continue his world-class form, which has seen him score three goals and assist one in his last three club appearances. Ibou Konate will return to the side after Joel Matip picked up a potentially serious injury on Sunday. The Frenchman will partner the ever-present Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
At left-back, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see Kostas Tsimikas given a rest after playing both last Thursday and Sunday. Joe Gomez would be the favourite to come in for the Greek on the left side of defence.
Verdict: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez
Midfield Dynamics
Alexis Mac Allister will likely go again at the base of Liverpool’s midfield. The Argentine has really started to find his feet on Merseyside, and his wonder goal on Sunday will do his confidence the world of good. However, it must be said how impressive Wataru Endo was once again on Sunday.
On the left-hand side of the midfield three, Curtis Jones is almost nailed on to return to the side with Ryan Gravenberch dropping to the bench. Dominik Szoboszlai will likely also go again, but is unlikely to play the whole 90 minutes. Harvey Elliott would be the favourite to give the Hungarian some sort of rest.
Verdict: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones
Attacking Formation
As always, Mohamed Salah will start on the right-hand side of Liverpool’s front three. However, the Egyptian’s minutes need to be managed throughout this busy period. After being named on the bench against LASK, Darwin Nunez will likely start for the second game running against Sheffield United.
Finally, I suspect that Cody Gakpo will come into the side on the left-wing to allow some rest to Luis Diaz. Diaz has played a lot of football over the past couple of weeks, for both club and country. The Dutchman put in a fantastic performance against LASK on Thursday and also helped swing the game in Liverpool’s favour on Sunday.
You may remember that this front three of Salah, Nunez, and Gakpo was the trio to put seven past Manchester United earlier this year.
Verdict: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Predicted Starting XI and Bench
Starting XI: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Bench: Adrian, Quansah, Bradley, Tsimikas, Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Diaz, Doak
