Liverpool will host Sheffield United later tonight in the Premier League as the defending champions look at life without Van Dijk. The Dutchman has been left out of the Premier League squad for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury he suffered. But Klopp and his men will be determined to put together a performance, which will make the star defender proud of his team.
The likes of Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are very doubtful to make it to the game, while Alisson’s return is still near impossible for the game. Sadio Mane also endured an injury in the midweek fixture in the Champions League against Ajax. The winger is also a doubt for the game against Sheffield and thus Klopp will have to act smart while putting out his starting XI.
Let us now have a look at how Liverpool might lineup against Sheffield United later tonight.
THE 4-3-3
Klopp might have to start with this team tonight as this is currently the strongest Liverpool team on paper, with the personnel available at Klopp’s disposal. Even if Mane is injured, Jota can easily to the job at his place as the Portuguese forward has been good since joining Liverpool. His quality on the ball might not be at Mane’s level but off the ball, Jota is very similar to Mane in his runs and pressing.
The midfield is very likely to be Henderson, Wijnaldum and Keita as all the three midfielders have a great work ethic. Though they lack creativity, all the three can drive the ball forward. Another prospect of this trio is their backtracking and covering of spaces, which is left by advanced full-backs, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold.
In such a lineup, the onus of creative and groundbreaking passes will fall onto the shoulders of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold. Firmino has been without goals for a lot of time now and the striker needs to score to shut his critics up. Salah and Mane have been amongst the goals and will be expected to score the goals if they play.
THE 4-2-3-1
The only other system the Reds have used in the Premier League in the Klopp era is the balanced 4-2-3-1. The midfield pivot will have to be very hardworking and that is exactly what Liverpool will get with Henderson and Wijnaldum. These two will also screen the centre-backs and will also be able to spray the ball around and distribute play but both of them lack creativity.
The goalkeeper will be under scrutiny once again as Adrian has been poor in between the sticks for Liverpool. The Reds have dearly missed Alisson as the Brazilian was not just good with his saves, his distribution from the goal was top-notch. Klopp would hope that Adrian will be safe for tonight’s game at least, as he expects Alisson to come back next weekend.
Against Sheffield, the full-backs will get loads of space to gallop forward and have their chance to cross the ball. Despite all the injuries and doubts, the defending champions will be favourites to win against struggling Sheffield United later tonight.
