2020. A year of reckoning.
Could this, at long last, be the end of Liverpool’s agonising title drought?
Their first examination comes in the toughest visiting side, barring themselves, this season. And who could’ve guessed the side to only lose one away match by January would be Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
That defeat came under 72 hours ago against the might of Manchester City, but barring that they are completely unbeaten away from home in Premier League football this season.
Inspired signings in Lys Mousset, Oliver McBurnie and the loan extension of Dean Henderson have helped the Blades breathe fresh air into the top flight and they currently sit eighth.
What else can be said about the hosts though?
18 wins from 19 matches. Let me clarify that. Eighteen. From nineteen. Absolutely ridiculous.
Previously it was certainly tough-var than expected, scraping past Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves by a goal to nil at Anfield.
The video assistant certainly sourced controversy, with Sadio Mane’s goal correctly given, and Wolves’ goal correctly ruled out – the former though was somewhat fractional. In fact, minimal.
There has to be some clarification on the rule, as goals like this have no business being ruled out. There’s no skill in staying onside if it can be a matter of millimetres that we cannot control without surgical precision.
But the Reds rolling wagon of success continues on its long path to victory. Controversially or deservedly.
The previous meeting saw Georginio Wijnaldum’s scuffed shot creep underneath a flailing Henderson – in a match Sheffield United arguably deserved more out of.
Team news
The Reds’ lengthy injury list is filled with mid-length injuries. Fabinho, Joel Matip, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dejan Lovren and Rhian Brewster are all out but not long-term. Nathaniel Clyne’s injury still raises question. New signing Takumi Minamino is ineligible, with recalled centre back Nat Phillips expected to be involved.
Wilder’s Blades are only missing Simon Moore, their spare ‘keeper, for definite. Former Everton trainee and Liverpool fan John Lundstram faces a late fitness test but is expected to be fit.
From the Dugout
Jurgen Klopp:
“Last year when Chris Wilder won Manager of the Year, I thought: Pep Guardiola won four trophies, how has this guy done this? Now I know why.
“He is doing an incredible job there with a really good, organised team.”
Chris Wilder:
“There’s a fantastic future ahead for the football club, we’ve put ourselves in a great position.
“But I’m never one to sit back and admire and my staff aren’t and my players won’t.
“We’ve got some huge challenges in the new year and ones we are really looking forward to.”
Head-to-head
Liverpool WINS – 61
DRAWS – 31
Sheffield United WINS – 45