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Liverpool v Sheffield United – Premier League Preview

After a winning return to action last weekend, the reds now face a midweek battle against relegation haunted Sheffield United, before a weekend trip to Old Trafford. As the Premier League schedule dwindles to just nine games remaining, every point counts in what could be the most fantastic way to end the tenure of Jürgen Klopp. The visitors are only just clinging onto their top flight status and are desperate for points, which could see a very entertaining game under the Anfield lights.

The Sheffield United Availability

In terms of availability, Max Lowe, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Chris Basham, Rhian Brewster, Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, George Baldock, and Tom Davies, are all out. Cameron Archer, Vinicius de Souza Costa, and Oliver Arblaster, face late fitness tests.

Regarding recent form, the Blades drew 3-3 at home to Fulham, after their visit to Bournemouth ended 2-2. Prior to those two draws, Chris Wilder’s team lost 0-6 at home to Arsenal, following a narrow 0-1 defeat at Wolves. After 29-games played, the Premier League’s bottom placed club have just 15-points and face a near certain relegation to the Championship.

A predicted line up for the away team is listed below, in a 3-5-2 formation. A dogmatic approach will be undertaken by the visiting team who will look to defend in numbers and spring attacks on the counter.

 

GK – Ivo Grbić

RWB – Jayden Bogle

RCB – Mason Holgate

CB – Anel Ahmedhodžić

LCB – Jack Robinson

LWB – Ben Osborn

CM – James McAtee

CDM – Oliver Norwood

CM – Gustavo Hamer

CF – Ben Brereton Díaz

CF – Oli McBurnie

The Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara remains on the missing list, however, Stefan Bajčetić is now back in team training. Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, one that may have seen him play his last game for the club. Trent Alexander Arnold, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Andy Robertson, are all a week away from a return. Curtis Jones is now fit again and could start this game if Wataru Endō does not overcome a knock from the most recent Brighton encounter.

Regarding recent form, Liverpool won 2-1 over Brighton last Sunday after they failed to overcome Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, in a disappointing 1-1 draw. The week prior to that top of the table clash, had the midweek hosts winning 0-1 away to Nottingham Forest, with a two-legged 11-2 win over Sparta Prague sandwich in-between. After 29-games played, Liverpool have amassed 67-points and sit 2nd in the Premier League, one points behind of Arsenal, though with this match up counting as their game in hand. Manchester City sit in 3rd on equal points to the Merseyside giants

Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start on Thursday evening, in which some mild rotation will be incorporated before the upcoming game against Manchester United.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Conor Bradley

RCB – Jarell Quansah

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

RCM – Dominik Szoboszlai

CDM – Curtis Jones

LCM – Alexis Mac Allister

RF – Luis Díaz

CF – Cody Gakpo

LF – Mohamed Salah

How Will This Contest Play Out

I believe the reds will win this game and look to make up for the various missed chances of late. A return to scintillating attacking form could well be on the cards, with goal difference perhaps playing a part in the end of season league standings.

Player to watch – Mohamed Salah

Score Prediction;

Liverpool 5 – 1 Sheffield United

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