Liverpool has to win just nine games to secure the Premier League title, and each one will be a challenge in the pursuit of the ultimate objective—a spectacular farewell for manager Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Sheffield United is the next stop on the path to that achievement. It should be an easy victory because the home audience has faith in the Reds, but as we all know, football games rarely go as planned.
Here are some things to be aware of before Sheffield United vs. Liverpool.
1. In our possession
With Sunday’s tie between Man City and Arsenal, the Reds are currently in control of the championship.
Liverpool will win the league if they win every game they have left to play. It remains to be seen if they must win each of the nine games.
This very certainly would have been the case in prior years. Though perfection might not be required, the order of the top three indicates there may still be a few twists in the tale.
In the last five seasons, Liverpool has averaged 22.6 points, Man City 22.2, and Arsenal 15 in the final nine games of each league season.
2. News from the team
Wataru Endo received a “knock,” according to Klopp, and “we will have to see” if he will be fit for the Sheffield United game. There is very little chance that the Japanese plays will be at risk.
Positively, Curtis Jones “is in full training and is in contention,” according to the manager, albeit he won’t start on Thursday. But Andy Robertson was a player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota will “hopefully, from next week, [be] in parts of team training,” Klopp continued.
Good news also came about Alisson, who might resume first-team training the following week, and Stefan Bajcetic.
3. Projected XI
Klopp is probably going to continue with the team that defeated Brighton for this one even though some important players will soon be returning.
The expectation is that Liverpool wins early in order to eliminate players like Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister before of Sunday’s match against Manchester United.
The only other occasion this season that Klopp has started the same lineup in back-to-back games was the opening and second games of the league.
Kelleher, Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez, Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Diaz are the predicted starting lineup.
4. Blades failing to fully extend
It’s safe to say that the board’s expectations of a turnaround at Bramall Lane have not been fulfilled by Chris Wilder’s reappointment as manager.
Despite having games in hand on their relegation rivals, Sheffield United is now bottom of the standings. What threat do they provide, given that they appear to be the most likely to fail out of all the teams?
Well, for the past few weeks, the Blades have shown indications of life. They led 3-1 against Fulham on Saturday after taking the lead twice and giving up two goals in the final minutes.
They had a similar pattern in the road game against Bournemouth, as they twice gave up the lead on route to a 2-2 draw.
5. Matip is moving in the correct way.
Joel Matip is improving, but it is extremely improbable that he will play for Liverpool again this season.
With an update on his fitness, Klopp said, “Joel’s running.” He detests it, yet it’s nice that he can now run.
“I believe that since he was hurt, this is the finest time since at first, it was really hard for him.
He overcame it, and he is now pain-free, but all of it takes time. The season isn’t long enough for him, in my opinion.
6. An earlier start time
The kickoff time of 7.30 p.m. (BST), which is little earlier than normal, shouldn’t catch you off guard.
To accommodate more spectators for the second half of Man United vs. Chelsea, which starts at 8.15 p.m., the action starts earlier and airs on TNT Sports 2.
Although it’s better than the 8.15 p.m. slot, the somewhat earlier kickoff makes it harder for people arriving from work prior and allows you to get to bed earlier on a worknight.
7. The previous Reds
Although their levels of personal accomplishment differ, Sheffield United’s first team this season includes three former Liverpool players.
Jack Robinson played 11 games for the Reds as a young player. He has now played 114 games for Sheffield United and has been involved in all but one Premier League game this season.
Yasser Larouci is at the other end of his career. He made his Reds debut in the 2020 FA Cup third round victory over Everton, where he featured twice.
He had to relocate for football due to the presence of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas at left back, but he is now gradually making an impact at Bramall Lane.
Rhian Brewster’s career has not advanced since leaving Liverpool for £23.5 million because of injuries throughout his tenure with the Blades. He won’t play against his former team because he is now sidelined as well.
8. Were you aware?
Liverpool has never allowed a substitute to score a goal against Sheffield United. This is an absurd fact considering the 136 times the two sides have faced off, not all of which allowed substitutions.
This season, Liverpool has set a division record with 26 points gained from losing positions in the league.
The Blades have allowed in 77 goals with nine games left in their Premier League season, which is tied for the most goals conceded by any team in history (89 by Derby County in 2007–08).
9. Attwell in command
Stuart Attwell will serve as the referee, James Mainwaring and Richard West will assist, and Taylor will serve as the fourth official at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Chris Kavanagh and Mark Scholes will serve as the VAR and assistant, respectively, at Stockley Park.
Attwell has only officiated Liverpool games on the field once this season, during the Reds’ 4-3 victory against Fulham at Anfield.
10. Use TIA to track the match
Henry Jackson will be your host and commentator for TIA’s matchday live blog, which goes live at 6:45 p.m.
Reds, get going!
