Sheffield United FC
Liverpool FC
Liverpool FC
Liverpool presented with great opportunity to return to winning ways against Sheffield United
Liverpool to win 3-0
Liverpool’s disastrous run slipped to a new low last weekend, with a rather humiliating defeat coming at the hands of their close rivals Everton in a result which saw them lose four on the spin.
It was also a game in which they lost their captain, Jordan Henderson, to an injury which will keep him out until April at the earliest. No Liverpool side should be losing four in a row, but they’ve certainly had to cope with a terrible number of injuries this season.
Here, they face the worst side in the Premier League this season, and they’ll see it as a fantastic opportunity to return to winning ways.
Sheffield United are now all but relegation, with 13 games left to play and 14 points adrift of safety. Whilst their form has picked up since the turn of the year, it’s just a case of too little too late for the Yorkshire team.
Form Guide (all comps): WLWLL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Billy Sharp is in good form up front
Arguably the best time to play Liverpool right now
Reasons to be fearful:
A lengthy injury list of their own
Lost the last four meetings with Liverpool
If there was ever a good time to play Liverpool, it’s probably now, with the Reds enduring their worst spell in almost 70 years.
With the Reds having a depleted squad, and low confidence, Sheffield United should feel that they can get at them this weekend, particularly with their strikers in good form.
Billy Sharp, the experienced veteran who has played at almost every level of English football, has scored five in his previous seven home matches, while David McGoldrick has scored all of his seven Premier League goals against top six opposition.
Here, they must throw caution to the wind. It’s highly likely they will get relegated at the end of the season anyway, so there is little point in defending for their lives when wins are the only thing that can save them.
Star Man – Billy Sharp
A goal poacher if ever there was one – can he take advantage of Liverpool’s injury-hit defence?
Form Guide (all comps): LLLWL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Good recent record over The Blades
Mo Salah is in terrific form in contrast to his team
Reasons to be fearful:
Have lost more games this season than last two combined
How many more injuries can they suffer this season?
Should Liverpool lose once again here, it will represent their worst form since 1953.
That is unlikely to happen, even in Liverpool’s troubled situation. Sure enough, they have a whole load of players missing, now including Jordan Henderson who picked up an injury to keep him out until April last weekend.
On top of that, goalkeeper Alisson sadly lost his father in midweek. Whether or not he’ll be able to play has not yet been decided.
On the plus side, the likes of Diogo Joto, Fabinho and James Milner could be fit to play some part in this one having overcome injuries of their own.
Even in their ragged form, Liverpool must surely win this one.
Star Man – Mo Salah
Has been a shining light for Liverpool in a strange season for the club. 24 goals and counting now in all competitions.
Mo Salah likely to score
Liverpool to get two or more goals
The Reds strong favourites here
Make no mistake about it, Liverpool will come out of the traps quickly here.
Despite their injury problems, they’ve had a full week of rest and recovery and those fit enough to play will give everything for their side here.
Sheffield United must just go out their and play positively, but it may well be in vain.
Liverpool to win 3-0
