Liverpool will host Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday, looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the table heading into Gameweek 31 of the 2023/24 Premier League season, they will look to extend their impressive runn of form with all three points against Sheffield United on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United are at the bottom of the league table, and they are on a five-game winless run. However, they have drawn their last two league matches, and it will be interesting to see if they can dent Liverpool’s title hopes with a positive performance away from home.
Liverpool have an impressive head-to-head record against Sheffield United, and they will be the overwhelming favourites heading into this contest. The home fans will expect a strong performance from the players. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Liverpool
Liverpool are still without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker because of a thigh injury. Joel Matip and Stefan Bajcetic are unlikely to play again this season, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined with knee injury. Diogo Jota is close to a return, but he is unlikely to be risked here. Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out for the season as well.
Liverpool will shape up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal. Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson will be deployed in the full-back areas, and the two players will look to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Ibrahima Konate will start at the heart of the Liverpool defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.
As for the midfield unit, Curtis Jones could be handed a start here after his return from injury. Wataru Endo will start as the defensive midfielder, and Dominik Szoboszlai will also start in the middle of the park, looking to add creativity and drive.
Finally, Darwin Nunez will lead the line for Liverpool against Sheffield United, with Mohamed Salah on his right and Cody Gakpo on the left. Luis Diaz will thus be an option on the bench alongside Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
Sheffield United
The visitors have a number of injury problems, and they will be without Max Lowe because of an ankle injury. Rhys Norrington-Davies misses out with a thigh injury, while Chris Basham has an ankle injury. George Baldock is unavailable due to a calf injury, John Egan has an ankle injury, while Rhian Brewster and Daniel Jebbison are ruled out for the season.
Sheffield United will shape up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Ivo Grbic in goal. In the back three, Mason Holgate will start alongside Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson. Jayden Bogle and Ben Osborn will start as the wingbacks. They will look to protect the back three and help out during counter attacks.
As for the midfield unit, Vinicius Souza will start alongside Gustavo Hamer and Oliver Arblaster in the middle of the park. Finally, Oliver McBurnie will lead the line for the visitors alongside Ben Brereton Diaz.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Grbic; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Ardblaster, Hamer, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, McBurnie
Key Stats
- Liverpool have won their last six matches against Sheffield United in all competitions.
- Sheffield United have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 11 matches in the Premier League.
- Liverpool have scored 13 goals in their last six matches against Sheffield United.
- Liverpool have conceded at least once in each of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Sheffield United have shipped out 18 goals in their last six outings.
Player to Watch
Mohamed Salah
The 31-year-old has six goals and six assists in his last ten outings for club and country. Salah is in impressive form right now, and he will look to continue making a mark in the final third with his creativity and goalscoring ability. Sheffield United have been quite vulnerable defensively, and the Egyptian international could punish them in the final third.
Prediction
Liverpool 3-1 Sheffield Inited
Liverpool will be the favourites heading into the game against Sheffield United, and they should be able to extend their impressive run of form this midweek. Sheffield United have been difficult to beat in their last couple of league games.
But the gulf in quality between the two teams is immense, and the Reds should be able to find a way past their resilience at Anfield. The away side’s winless streak is likely to continue. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Jurgen Klopp and his charges.
