Liverpool vs Sheffield United: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

High-flyers Liverpool host strugglers Sheffield United looking to maintain their place at the top, whilst the visitors’ search for a win continues.

Date: 04/04/24

Kick-off time: 19:30

Venue: Anfield

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently top of the league following victory over Brighton as they took advantage of Arsenal’s draw at Manchester City to overtake the Gunners. With the German departing in the summer, the Reds will be desperate to send him off with one more Premier League title, and with nine games remaining, they are in control of the race. Three points would see them sustain their position at the top, but any dropped points will no doubt be capitalised on by their rivals.

Sheffield United remain rooted to the bottom, a position they have held for the majority of the season. At the weekend, they were mere minutes away from picking just their fourth win, but squandered a 3-1 lead late on to drop even more points. The result leaves them seven points off safety, though they have a game in hand. However, with so little time left, they may be resigned to immediate relegation back to the Championship. Though, this could all change if they were to record an unlikely victory against Liverpool.

With 77 goals conceded, United have by far the worst defence in the league, and they come up against the division’s second best attack, meaning it could be a very long evening for their backline. The Reds have a number of attackers who will be a serious threat, none more so than Mohammed Salah who has scored 16 goals so far. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz will also expect to contribute, with the pair netting 17 combined.

The Blades have a dreadful recent record against Liverpool, losing seven of the last eight meetings, including a six-game losing streak. Their last win against the Reds came in 2003 and their last at Anfield was in 1994. The reverse fixture earlier this season was a comfortable 2-0 win for Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk and Dominic Szoboszlai were on the scoresheet. United have scored just twice in the last six.

Liverpool

Joel Matip’s ruptured ACL will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Goalkeeper Alison and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold are still out but should return sometime in April. The latter is further along in his recovery. Diogo Jota is also working to a similar timeframe.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United have a few long-term injuries, including Rhian Brewster, whose hamstring issue has no timeline for recovery. Cameron Archer may return. Otherwise, Chris Wilder has no new injury concerns.

Liverpool

In their last five games, Liverpool have won four and drawn one. The Reds have enjoyed a great stretch of form across three competitions. This run began with European action as they took on Czech side Sparta Praha in the Europa League Round of 16. The first leg ended in a 5-1 victory away from home as Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez (x2) put them three up at half-time. Conor Bradley’s own goal got the hosts on the scoresheet, but Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai added two more. The second leg a week later was even more dominant, as they won 6-1 to win 11-2 on aggregate. The Reds were up four after 14 minutes, with Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo (x2) and Szoboszlai all finding the back of the net.

Between these two legs was a huge top of the table clash with Manchester City. It ended honours even as they drew 1-1 at Anfield. John Stones had given the visitors the lead midway through the first half, but the tense affair resulted in the points shared as Mac Allister converted from the spot after goalkeeper Ederson took out Nunez in the box.

Liverpool’s hopes of winning four trophies this season were dashed when Man United eliminated them in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It was a very dramatic game that ended in last minute heartbreak. The hosts opened the scoring early on through Scott McTominay, but the tie was turned on its head before the break as Mac Allister and Salah scored twice in three minutes. Liverpool looked set to advance, but Antony scored an equaliser in the 87th minute to send the tie to extra-time. The away side retook the lead once more, this time through Harvey Elliott. But United refused to lie down as Marcus Rashford levelled it with eight minutes to go. The game seemed destined for penalties, but youngster Amad Diallo sent Old Trafford wild with a last minute winner to send his side through. Their most recent outing was against Brighton. They had to come from behind to record a 2-1 win, as goals from Diaz and Salah cancelled out Danny Welbeck’s opener.

Sheffield United

In their last five games, Sheffield United have lost three and drawn two. The league’s bottom side are still searching for a win amidst this torrid run. This stretch began with a heavy 5-0 home defeat against Brighton. Their task was made even harder when Mason Holgate was sent off after just 13 minutes for a reckless challenge. The visitors quickly took advantage as Facundo Buonanotte opened the scoring less than 10 minutes later. Danny Welbeck doubled the lead soon after. Simon Adingra added a brace to a Jack Robinson own goal in the second half.

A narrower game followed, but they lost once more as they fell 1-0 at Wolves. The Blades had more shots on target but could not find the breakthrough, with Pablo Sarabia bagging the winner after half an hour. The next week they suffered another crushing home defeat, losing 6-0 to Arsenal. The Gunners were 4-0 up after 25 minutes and five in front at half-time, thanks to goals from Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and an own goal from Jayden Bogle. Ben White got the sixth.

They finally picked up a point, but will have been disappointed to have not left with more as they squandered a 2-0 lead at Bournemouth. Gustavo Hamer and Jack Robinson had them in front, but Dango Ouattara pulled one back before Enes Unal equalised in stoppage time. Their most recent game was a home fixture against Fulham, in which they drew 3-3. It was another missed opportunity for three points as they gave up a 3-1 lead as Rodrigo Muniz levelled the score in the 93rd minute.

Perhaps one of the most one-sided fixtures in the Premier League, there is only one way this game will go. The league’s bottom side will find possession and chances hard to come by, and will struggle mightily to keep Liverpool’s offensive firepower at bay, especially at Anfield. Expect the hosts to win big – Liverpool 4-0 Sheffield United

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Liverpool vs Sheffield United will be available to watch on TNT Sports 2.

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