Liverpool need to put aside their humbling defeat in the Merseyside derby last week and look to recover from their slump in form as they face Sheffield United next. With four straight league defeats, the Reds are currently sitting below their bottom-dwelling opponents in terms of points secured in 2021. With the number of candidates for the top four places increasing, Klopp’s men need to find their rhythm soon to ensure Champions League football next season.
Sheffield United’s hopes of survival look all but over with three successive league defeats after showing positive signs earlier this year. But Chris Wilder’s men will surely look to cause an upset against the free-falling Liverpool. Diogo Jota’s return to training is the only positive news for Liverpool fans but Klopp would not be looking to rush him back into the team.
Let’s take a look at how Klopp may line his men up for this contest at the Bramall Lane.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Klopp’s favourite system throughout his time at Liverpool. Despite the tragic death of Alisson’s father, the keeper may start the game. With new signing Ben Davies yet to make his debut, Nat Phillips may partner Ozan Kabak at the back. Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ever-present on the flanks and will look to pile the pressure on the Sheffield defence with forward runs.
In the midfield, we should expect no changes as Thiago will look to dictate the play and control the middle of the park with Curtis Jones and Giorginio Wijnaldum. Wijnaldum and Jones will look to make runs into the box to create a goal threat which has been lacking in recent games. Roberto Firmino will be definitely looking to get back amongst the goals and create chances with his clever link-up play. Sadio Mane is not having the best of times and needs to display the tenacity in the final third and complement their top scorer Mohamed Salah.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 formation has been employed by Klopp to give Salah and Firmino the chance to link up down the middle. This system has proved effective in the past especially when Diogo Jota was fit and firing. Xherdan Shaqiri is the best option for Klopp on the right side of the attack with Japanese international Takumi Minamino sent to Southampton on loan. Shaqiri has never been able to showcase the best of his abilities as a Red with limited game time but has the qualities as we saw in the win over West Ham United back in January.
Liverpool’s crisis hit backline will need to be alert despite facing the team with the fewest goals this season. The experienced duo of David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp will look to exploit the young Liverpool centre backs. Liverpool look clear favourites going into this game having come out on top in all of their last seven meetings. A year ago both these teams were at their respective best and will be looking to get close to those sort of levels to salvage their current season.
