Sheffield United vs Liverpool preview, predictions & team news
Liverpool will be looking to continue their perfect start to the Premier League season when they travel to Sheffield United in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are top of the table having won all six of their games so far, while the Blades sit 10th after a mostly positive start, losing just two of their six matches.
Chris Wilder’s side have scored just two goals at home, something that must improve if they are to avoid relegation back to the Championship by the end of the campaign.
Liverpool have been mostly impressive at both ends of the pitch, but will they falter at Bramall Lane? Read on for our preview, predictions, key men, teams news and more.
When is Sheffield Utd vs Liverpool and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Bramall Lane
Date: Saturday, 28 September 2019
Kick-off: 12:30 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate
Last five meetings: Sheffield Utd vs Liverpool
24 February 2007: Liverpool 4-0 Sheffield Utd (Premier League)
19 August 2006: Sheffield Utd 1-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
21 January 2003: Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield Utd (League Cup)
8 January 2003: Sheffield Utd 2-1 Liverpool (League Cup)
2 April 1994: Liverpool 1-2 Sheffield Utd (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Sheffield Utd (LDLWW) 5-9 Liverpool (WDWLL)
Ones to watch
Sheffield Utd: Enda Stevens
Much has been written about Sheffield United’s unique overlapping centre-backs. As a result, the full-backs have gone somewhat under the radar when, in fact, Enda Stevens has been one of the Blades’ most important players so far this term. With Trent Alexander-Arnold getting forward often, Stevens will look to take advantage of the space left in-behind and create chances for the hosts.
Key stat: Stevens has completed 16 dribbles in the Premier League this season, at least seven more than any other Sheffield United player.
Liverpool: Andy Robertson
It could be a tale of two left-backs at Bramall Lane as Andy Roberton will be aiming to do the exact same thing as Stevens: get forward as often as possible, especially when Sheffield United right-back George Baldock is caught out of position. Robertson is one of the main creative forces in the Liverpool line-up and their deadly front three will be relying on his service not just on Saturday but throughout the campaign.
Key stat: Robertson has made more successful passes ending in the final third (131) than any other Premier League player this season.
Team news
Sheffield Utd
Sheffield United remain unchanged from the side that beat Everton 2-0 last weekend, with Mo Besic and Ravel Morrison’s exploits in midweek not enough to earn them a place in the starting XI. Billy Sharp remains out, serving the final game of his three-match suspension.
Confirmed XI: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstrom, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McBurnie, Robinson.
Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.
Liverpool
Liverpool have also named the same side from their last Premier League outing having made numerous changes for the Carabao Cup in midweek. Sadio Mane has shaken off a knock picked up last weekend against Chelsea to retain his place in the starting XI.
Confirmed XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Squawka prediction
It’s difficult to see Liverpool dropping points any time soon. Of course, there will come a time when they are not quite on song and it could be an unlikely opponent like Sheffield United that profits from that. But Klopp’s men shouldn’t have too many problems this weekend.
Scoreline prediction: Sheffield Utd 0-3 Liverpool
