Burnley's win over Sheffield United on Saturday marked their eighth consecutive defeat in the 2023-24 Premier League season, setting an unfortunate record. The Blades' board had supported Heckingbottom through tough times, but the 5-0 loss proved to be the final straw, leading to his dismissal on Tuesday.
Now, Chris Wilder, the man who led Sheffield United to the top flight and a memorable top-half finish in 2019-20, returns for a homecoming as the team finds itself at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Despite the four-point gap to climb and the unlikely chance of moving above the relegation zone even with a win against Liverpool, Sheffield United's defensive struggles this season might pose a challenge. Liverpool also faced defensive issues in their recent game against Fulham, where they won 4-3, with Jurgen Klopp acknowledging defensive lapses.
Liverpool's home form remains impeccable, with an 11th consecutive win at Anfield. The team currently sits second in the rankings, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. However, their away performances have been inconsistent, winning only one of their last six away games in all competitions. Liverpool has also conceded and scored in each of their 10 away matches this season.
Sheffield United sees a glimmer of hope in Liverpool's four-game winless run away against promoted teams, but history favors the Reds with five consecutive Premier League wins against the Blades. Sheffield United's last victory in this fixture dates back to a 2003 EFL Cup tie.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
In Wilder's first game back in charge, Sheffield United faces the challenge of playing without striker Oli McBurnie, who received a red card for two elbow incidents in the team's heavy defeat to Burnley.Additionally, right-back George Baldock had to exit the same match after just 25 minutes due to a hamstring problem, likely ruling him out for Wednesday's game. Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), John Egan (ankle), Daniel Jebbison (illness), and former Liverpool attacker Rhian Brewster (thigh) are confirmed to be unavailable.
Unless Baldock makes a surprisingly quick return, Jayden Bogle is expected to step into the starting lineup. James McAtee is the likely replacement for the suspended McBurnie.
Liverpool, on the other hand, faces a new defensive concern as Joel Matip left the field in the second half of their thrilling 7-goal encounter with Fulham due to an apparent knee problem.
Klopp has admitted that Matip will be out for the foreseeable future. Matip adds to the list of injured Liverpool players, including Alisson Becker (thigh), Diogo Jota (muscle), Andrew Robertson (shoulder), Thiago Alcantara (hip), and Stefan Bajcetic (calf).
Fortunately for Klopp, Ibrahima Konate is back in good shape and ready to rejoin the starting lineup. With players like Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo eager for a return, Klopp may make a few adjustments to the lineup.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Norwood, Larouci; Hamer, McAtee; Archer
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Sheffield United 1-3 Liverpool
While a change in management for Sheffield United might inject some fresh energy into the team, it's important to note that their defensive problems won't disappear overnight. The hosts are likely to face another challenging afternoon against Liverpool's formidable attacking lineup.
