Liverpool to edge Sheffield United once more
Liverpool vs Sheffield United - 02/01/2020
5898
Liverpool needed a Dean Henderson goalkeeping error to defeat Sheffield United when they met at Bramall Lane earlier this season. Now, the Reds host the Blades seeking another three points and a step closer to their first league title in 30 years.
Jurgen Klopp’s team is yet to taste defeat in the Premier League taking 55 of 57 points possible. Liverpool did look tired at the weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was a game in which Liverpool needed two VAR calls to overturn incorrect decisions on the pitch.
Sheffield United head into the match in slump. Just one point has been taken from their last four possible. The Blades have been brilliant all season, but perhaps they too are growing tired.
A 1-1 draw versus Watford was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. Had an offside call not gone against Sheffield United, it could have been a different story at the Etihad.
When these teams met last in September, Sheffield United gave Liverpool everything they wanted and more. Despite Liverpool having 71% possession, Sheffield United stayed organised and compact in defence. They attempted to hit on the counter-attack and nearly did so several times.
The good news for Klopp headed into Thursday night’s game is Liverpool’s improved defence. The Reds have been magnificent with Alisson Becker in-form. Six of Liverpool’s last eight matches in all competitions ended in wins to nil.
Joe Gomez has stepped into central defence for the injured Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren and played brilliantly. If there is a concern for Klopp it is Mohamed Salah. Although he has scored nine league goals, Salah has blown hot and cold and been missing in many matches this season.
With players looking tired on Sunday night and an FA Cup third round match coming up versus Everton, Klopp should rotate the side heavily.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri join Matip and Lovren on the sidelines along with Fabinho due to injuries. Striker Divock Origi and midfielder Adam Lallana could play parts once more on Thursday. James Milner could be used to rest Andy Robertson at left-back.
In addition, Klopp has youngsters Neco Williams, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott in reserve, who could all be deployed to rest the big guns. However, the trio could be saved for the FA Cup on Sunday.
Wilder could be without John Lundstram, who turned his ankle against Manchester City at the weekend. Simon Moore is already ruled out through injury.
With a tired Liverpool squad that played nine games in four competitions in December, this game should be close. Like their game in December, expect the Reds to win to nil with Sheffield United keeping them from piling up the goals. There should be under 2.5 goals tallied.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
EPL
562915
1
1 - 0
1.92
21°
1.30
1.30
5.64
12.00
1
-1
1
2 - 0(1 - 0)
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