Liverpool vs Sheffield United Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Milner, Salah, Firmino, Origi
Sheffield United (3-5-2):
Dean Henderson, Basham, Egan, O'Connell, Baldock, Freeman, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, McGoldrick, McBurnie
Liverpool won three trophies in 2019 - the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. It's obvious it was a successful year for Jurgen Klopp and his players. Nevertheless, the fans will be fully satisfy only when Liverpool finish first in the Premier League. This year (2020) could be the year when Liverpool will lift the domestic trophy, first after 1990. The Reds sit at the top of the Premier League and have 13-point advantage to the second-placed Leicester City and 14 points more than the biggest rivals Manchester City. Even Pep Guardiola admitted they are now in a fight for second place. But no-one in Liverpool will say it, as there have been too many near misses and false dawns in the last 30 years. The actual form is good, Liverpool won the last two matches in the Premier League during the festive period. However, they showed two, quite different, faces. Jurgen Klopp's side produced arguably their finest performance of the season to demolish their nearest challengers Leicester City with 4:0 at King Power Stadium. But the last match with Wolverhampton was quite opposite. Liverpool obtained their 17th consecutive victory at Anfield in the Premier League, beating the Wolves with 1:0. The guests were furious on two Video Assistant Referee's decisions. There was a lengthy VAR review for handball from Adam Lallana before referee Anthony Taylor eventually confirmed the goal. In the finish of the first half the guests had a goal disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside. The Reds were inferior in the second half and showed lot of weaknesses. As one fan wrote on social media, it was 'a big old ugly grown up win'. Klopp continues to be short of defensive options as Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Fabinho remain out. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will also be missing the next period, having injured his ankle in the Club World Cup final with Flamengo. Klopp revealed that the injured quartet will be back earliest in February.
Sheffield United are newcomers in the Premier League and many were expecting to see them deeply involved in the relegation battle. However, they quickly adapt to life in England's top tier. The Blades are on the 8th position with 29 points, far away from the drop zone. Manager Chris Wilder is doing a great job and the fans are pleased. Sheffield are particularly good on away matches as they were unbeaten prior to Sunday's visit to the Etihad. The overall form is also good, they have lost just twice in their last 13 games in a run which stretches back to September. Their defensive record should also be mentioned, they have conceded just 19 goals on 20 matches, with Liverpool as only team with better record (14). As I wrote above, the Blades suffered a 2:0 defeat to Manchester City three days ago. They were unfortunate not to get something from the match against the reigning champions. The first goal scored by Sergio Aguero was controversial as the referee Chris Kavanagh should have stopped the game after getting in the way of a pass which led to the goal. De Bruyne scored the second and Sheffield United lost away from home for the first time since January when they lost 1:0 to Swansea City in the Championship Division. Captain Oliver Norwood is 'Alpha and Omega' in the team, genuine leader. The 28-year-old is excellent this season in both defensive and attacking aspects of the game. He has created more chances (29) than any other Sheffield United player in the Premier League this season. Lys Mousset should also be mentioned, he is the club leading scorer with five goals. The former Bournemouth player, who signed for £10m, also have three assists to his name. The guests are almost complete for the trip to Anfield, only Simon Moore is sidelined. John Lundstram, who missed the Sunday's match with a foot injury, is rated as doubtful. Wilder could rotate the players following the busy schedule. David McGoldtrick and Oliver McBurnie are pushing for starting place.
Liverpool vs Sheffield United Prediction:
Liverpool are big favorites against the newcomers, but Sheffield United could produce lot of problems to the leaders. The Reds didn't look good against the Wolves. The players are tired, while Klopp has no option for rotation in most of the positions. The Blades already reduced Liverpool in the reverse fixture, but were unlucky to lose after big goalkeepers mistake. I think they won't lose with more than one goal.
Liverpool vs Sheffield United Pick: Sheffield United +1.5 @ 1.84 with 188Bet