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| Sheffield United knows it's a tough trip but, they must stand to be counted at Anfield. (Photo credit: GOAL) |
You don’t want to mince words on days like this; it’s not a matter of whether Liverpool will beat Sheffield United; it’s a question of how many goals. It is what it is.
Sheffield United going to Anfield at a time like this is tough. The Blades have a faint hope of surviving the drop. If they’re going to play Premier League football next season, they must win on tough grounds like Anfield with a limited number of games to go and a lot of points to recover, but can they?
Liverpool saw Arsenal and Manchester City win on Wednesday night, with the Gunners beating Luton Town 2-0 with a much changed starting eleven, while a Manchester City side without Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland clinically took Aston Villa out with a Phil Foden masterclass.
Sheffield’s season is in turmoil; ten points off safety, albeit, with two games in hand, doesn’t bode well for any side with the season as far as game week 31. It doesn’t get easier for the Blades with Chelsea next after the Kops, but they play Burnley and Brentford before they face Manchester United later in April.
There's been no single win in the last five for the Blades; they saw a healthy 3-1 lead wiped out by Fulham at the weekend; a huge opportunity to record three points went south; they won’t get so many chances at Anfield; will they take the half chances they get?
How will Liverpool line up? Jurgen Klopp isn’t inclined to rest regulars; he has the top spot to reclaim after Arsenal’s win on Wednesday. His side also understands it could come down to goal difference at the end of the season; expect lots of goals in this one.
Liverpool labored to a 2-1 win over Brighton at the weekend; they could have dropped points had Adam Lallana gotten his effort right late on. The goal is to keep recording maximum points; the title race is going down to the wire, and Liverpool won’t like to blink.
How will Sheffield line up? Ivo Grbic is the preferred man in goal; since his arrival, Wes Foderingham has been banished to the bench; Ben Brereton Diaz is becoming a revelation; how will he fare against the Kops at Anfield?
Liverpool’s injury crisis isn’t abating; Endo Wataru has joined the injury list, but Alexis Mac Allister has reignited the midfield magic, and it feels like he is the man for the job. Liverpool is expected to beat Sheffield United; don’t expect surprises.