Jurgen Klopp’s men would be hoping to correct their devastating slump in form when paying a visit to Bramall Lane this weekend to square up against basement side Sheffield United.
2021 has not witnessed the greatest of times for an injury-hit Liverpool FC side and on the back of four straight defeats in Premier League football, the defending champions will be looking towards the upcoming fixture as a chance to get back to some much-needed winning ways.
A top-four finish in the league table looks far from guaranteed for the Merseysiders this season on the back of a disappointing run of form since the turn of the year and with the likes of West Ham United and Chelsea leaping ahead in the race to nab the final Champions League qualification spot, Klopp’s side would need to get back to their very over the remainder of the campaign.
Sunday’s hosts Sheffield United have most remarkably picked up more points from their league outings when compared to their upcoming opponents and Chris Wilder’s relegation-threatened outfit could be in line to hand a shock result to the Reds.
Last weekend’s derby defeat to Everton left a major dent in the already faltering hopes of Liverpool FC striving to achieve retention of their top-flight crown and Jurgen Klopp was quick to admit that it was all over for his side on that front, with Champions League qualification now taking precedence for the Anfield giants.
The sole respite was gained by the Merseysiders in European football courtesy of a 2-0 away victory over RB Leipzig but the domestic form refuses to change for the best as last season’s ever-present champions misfire on all fronts.
With Everton and Aston Villa in the fray to overtake the Reds should they both win their games in hand, Jurgen Klopp and Co. need to swiftly gear up their form, as early as this weekend when on the road in South Yorkshire.
WHEN & WHERE?
We never give up. We stick together.#SHULIV next and we’re ready to battle 💪🔴#WithYouAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/285PVAx2Hu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 27, 2021
Date: Sunday 28 February
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Bramall Lane
TEAM NEWS
Much has been spoken about Liverpool FC No.1 Alisson Becker in the build-up to Sunday’s clash between Liverpool FC and Sheffield United after the Brazillian goalkeeper was hit with tragic news related to his father’s passing away back in Brazil.
Klopp will decide whether to field his first-choice option between the sticks come Sunday at Bramall Lane or give a rare top-flight outing to Caoimhin Kelleher.
Jordan Henderson was withdrawn from the pitch last Saturday owing to a groin injury and following the Liverpool FC skipper undergoing surgery, he will be sidelined for the next eight weeks, according to initial reports.
💪 @DiogoJota18 💪 pic.twitter.com/c57qDAPy3I
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2021
Much-needed relief was in store for the Merseysiders on the injury front with Diogo Jota reporting back to the first-team training earlier this week and the former Wolves forward could be made available for the forthcoming fixture.
KEY BATTLE
Aaron Ramsdale vs Mohammad Salah
Amid contrasting fortunes for the Reds when in front of the goal, Salah has shouldered the brunt of his side’s attacking responsibilities over the course of this campaign.
The Egyptian international leads the goalscoring charts with 17 strikes to his name and would be hoping to get the better of the Blades backline to carry the visitors to a much-required win.
Sheffield United goalie Ramsdale will, however, hope to give his best while manning the goalposts for the Yorkshire-based outfit in what could prove to a major step towards escaping the drop zone should Chris Wilder’s men emerge shock victors from Sunday’s meeting.
MATCH PREDICTION
Censure has been widespread for the reigning champions in light of recent performances both home and away and Sunday’s game presents Klopp with a golden chance to steer his side back towards the fight for a top-four finish.
Jordan Henderson’s absence is bound to hurt the Merseysiders badly but the mixed form of late shown by key first-teamers is a sign that Liverpool FC need to step up their plot in the most urgent of manner.
We do see the Reds edging ahead of their upcoming opponents despite both teams going into the weekend clash burdened by a redundant set of displays on the run.
Prediction: Sheffield United 1-3 Liverpool
