Liverpool vs Sheffield United: Preview, predictions and lineups

Liverpool hope to move one step closer to the Premier League title on Thursday evening when they host struggling Sheffield United at Anfield.

The Reds reclaimed their spot at the top of the table last Sunday after a 2-1 win against Brighton, with Manchester City and Arsenal’s goalless draw at the weekend giving them a little breathing space. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side must go again midweek, even if a visit from bottom of the table Sheffield United looks routine on paper.

The Blades have managed just 15 points all season so far, only six of which have come on the road, and Chris Wilder’s side are currently seven points off safety heading into the final weeks of the campaign. They lost the reverse fixture 2-0 back in December, but the Yorkshire outfit have managed two consecutive draws in the Premier League.

Here is 90min’s guide to the game.

Liverpool vs Sheffield United H2H record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Klopp will be pleased to welcome Curtis Jones back for the visit of the Blades, with the midfielder having been sidelined since mid-February. He should be available in some capacity at Anfield, while Ibrahima Konate could also return to the starting lineup having made the bench against Brighton at the weekend.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are nearing a return but won’t be fit for Thursday, while Alisson is still unavailable in the Liverpool goal. Andy Robertson sustained a minor injury on international duty but should return sooner rather than later.

Stefan Bajcetic is also getting closer to featuring before the end of the current campaign having made just two appearances this term. Joel Matip and Thiago are likely out of action until the end of the season.

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

Sheffield United‘s on-field woes are matched by their injury concerns, with Wilder currently missing a whole host of players, especially across the backline.

Rhys Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, George Baldock, John Egan and Chris Basham are all still missing for the Blades, while former Everton midfielder Tom Davies could miss a return to Merseyside after sustaining a knock.

United have some absentees up top as well, with Rhian Brewster unavailable against his former employers. Cameron Archer is also a doubt with a calf injury and Daniel Jebbison is unavailable.

Sheffield United predicted lineup (3-5-2): Grbic; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer. Osborn; McBurnie, Brereton Diaz.

Even the most optimistic Sheffield United supporter won’t be expecting a result from their trip to Anfield, although stranger things have happened in the Premier League, The Blades have lost their last six against Liverpool and the Reds are unbeaten at home this term in all competitions.

Realistically, Liverpool should stroll to a comfortable victory on Thursday, especially with some of their injured players having returned to fitness in recent weeks. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz will be licking their lips ahead of a meeting with the league’s leakiest backline.

Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Sheffield United

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90 Mins