Premier League Match Preview: Title-chasing Liverpool host relegation-threatened Sheffield United.
The pendulum of the Premier League title race swung once again over Easter. Liverpool took top spot off Arsenal and will look to solidify their strong position with a win over bottom-placed Sheffield United on Thursday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Form
Liverpool: WDWLW
Liverpool reclaimed the upper hand in the title race on Sunday afternoon with a win over Brighton that was followed by a stalemate between Manchester City and Arsenal.
With the top three all having played the same amount of games, Liverpool have a two-point gap to Arsenal and a three-point gap to City.
The trademark of Liverpool’s season has been overturning deficits, and they had to do that again on Sunday after conceding in the second minute. Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah got the Reds back on track, however, extending their unbeaten run in the league to six games.
This pitchside angle of our #LIVBHA winner ????????#TeamPixel | #Ad pic.twitter.com/fpbsD636bR
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2024
Whilst the Reds may not be in the same sparkling form as the sides around them, they do have numerous first-team players nearing returns from injury, and the added motivational factor of this being Jurgen Klopp’s last season at the helm.
Furthermore, having lost just twice in the league this season, the Reds are also unbeaten at home in all competitions.
As for the team news, Liverpool are starting to see the return of some big names. Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones could both return to the squad following injuries and Ibrahima Konate is in contention to start after a place among the substitutes at the weekend.
Sheffield United: LLLDD
For Sheffield United, the equation is pretty simple. They desperately need to start winning matches if they want to stand any chance of survival.
They’re rooted to the bottom of the table having won just three matches all season. Time is running out for them to mount an escape, and a recent habit of losing leads hasn’t helped their cause.
In their previous two outings they’ve lost four points in the dying moments, conceding equalising goals in added time. After a 2-2 draw in Bournemouth, where they lost a two-goal lead, they surrendered another two-goal advantage in their most recent clash with Fulham.
The outside of the boot assist! ????
Ben Brereton Diaz taps home after a brilliant Oli McBurnie pass. pic.twitter.com/qePyqIFLLD
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) March 31, 2024
Chris Wilder’s side were 3-1 up at Bramall Lane but the lead slipped through their fingers. The result leaves them 10 points from safety after Nottingham Forest’s win on Tuesday.
The Blades’ treatment room has been just as packed as Liverpool’s and they will remain without players such as Cameron Archer, George Baldock, Chris Basham, Rhian Brewster, Tom Davies, John Egan, Daniel Jebbison, Max Lowe and Rhys Norrington-Davies.
On the bright side, midfielder Vinicius Souza is expected to start despite being withdrawn from their last outing with cramp. Strikers Ben Brereton Diaz and Oli McBurnie will continue to lead the line after their impressive recent performances.
Previous Meetings
These two famous clubs are nearing their 150th meeting. Thursday will be the 142nd time they’ve squared off, with Liverpool looking for a 66th victory, and United a 46th.
They last met at Bramall Lane at the beginning of December when the Reds extended their unbeaten record against the Blades to eight, in a run that stretches back to 2003.
Goals from Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a 2-0 victory.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.
Sheffield United: Grbic; Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Norwood, Hamer, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, McBurnie.
Who is the referee?
Stuart Attwell
Is the game on TV?
UK – TNT Sports
What time is kick-off?
19:30 GMT, Thursday 4 April
Odds
Liverpool – 1/12
Draw – 12/1
Sheffield United – 20/1
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