2019-20 Premier League: Week 21 – Liverpool vs Sheffield United

Premier League leaders, Liverpool welcome Sheffield United to Anfield as the festive fortnight draws to a close. 

Liverpool can extend their lead over Leicester back up to 13 points, whilst the Blades know that victory will send them up to fifth.

 

Team news

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Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns to report after Sunday’s win over Wolves. 

Joel Matip (knee) and Xherdan Shaqiri (hamstring) are close to first-team returns but won’t be risked in their next two games. 

Dejan Lovren (muscle), Fabinho (ankle), Nathaniel Clyne (knee), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ankle) and Rhian Brewster (knock) are ruled out. 

Sheffield United could welcome John Lundstram back into the starting lineup after he missed their defeat at Manchester City with a knock to his ankle. 

Simon Moore (groin) remains ruled out. 

 

Stat Attack

• Liverpool have lost just two of seven Premier League meetings with Sheffield United (W3, D2, L2).
• Sheffield United have failed to score in their last two trips to Anfield in all competitions, whilst conceding six goals across both clashes.
• Both teams lost just three away league games between them throughout 2019.
• Sheffield United are yet to win a penalty against Liverpool in seven previous Premier League meetings.
• There is yet to be a red card in this Premier League fixture.

 

Prediction

With just two defeats in their last 63 home games in all competitions, Liverpool have to fancy their chances of taking a huge step towards the title. 

Sheffield United however were harshly denied at least a point by farcical VAR decisions at Man City, so I can see them producing a strong performance here and particularly after how they troubled Liverpool in the reverse leg at Bramall Lane in September. 

Both teams also suffered the least home/away defeats respectively throughout 2019, which adds another intriguing layer because they will both be desperate to start 2020 in similar fashion so I can see the Blades digging deep for a draw here. 

Liverpool however are a difficult team to quieten at home so I am going for a home win here.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United

Result: Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield United