Jurgen Klopp’s young side managed to get past MK Dons in the League Cup earlier this week but the manager’s entire concentration seems to be on the domestic league, where his side have won each of their six games so far.
Liverpool lead the Premier League champions Manchester City by five points, just six games into the competition and they are favourites to extend that lead in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday at Bramall Lane.
Newly promoted Sheffield United beat another Merseyside outfit in Everton last weekend in the league but were knocked out of the League Cup by Sunderland earlier this week.
But playing at home, they will believe that they can test the European champions in this clash. Klopp’s side are fresh from beating Chelsea in the league last weekend but they cannot allow any complacency to set in.
Team News
In early team news, The Reds have no new injury issues to worry about ahead of this game. Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri continue to be out along with Alisson Becker who is not too far away from a return to the field.
Sadio Mane suffered a dead leg in the clash against Chelsea last weekend but has recovered and is fit to start. Divock Origi has been training fine and will be available.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL LINEUP vs SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-3-3)
Defence
Adrian has been impressive in Alisson’s absence and has probably been one of the most consistent players in his role in the league this season. He will keep his place in the side, after being rested earlier in the week.
The likes of David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson have their work cut out against what is one of the best centre-back partnerships in Europe- Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk. They will have to work really hard to get past the duo and test Adrian in this game.
Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also up there with the best full-back pairings in the game and could be the danger men for the hosts in this tie.
Midfield
Fabinho has probably been the best defensive midfielder in the league this season and will be back in action for this clash.
He will play in the no.6 role while skipper Jordan Henderson and midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum are expected to play in slightly advanced roles in the Liverpool lineup, trying to add some stability to the side.
Attack
Klopp has trusted Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane for every game when fully fit since the start of last season barring one. The trio is devastating even for the best of defence in the league and will look to get the better of the three-man backline that Chris Wilder has stuck with, throughout this campaign.
Liverpool lineup
