Sheffield United vs Liverpool tips and predictions: Wounded Blades to come out fighting

Sheffield United have parted company with manager Paul Heckingbottom after 14 catastrophic games, appointing fan favourite Chris Wilder for a second stint.

The Blades were mauled 5-0 by Burnley last time out, which was the third time this season they’ve lost by a margin of at least five goals.

A 5-0 loss at the Emirates and an 8-0 hammering at the hands of Newcastle are just part of the worst start to a season in Premier League history.

On the other hand, Liverpool can afford to be well below par and still win games. Their 4-3 win against Fulham was fortuitous but extended their unbeaten run to seven in the league.

The Reds have slipped up in five of their seven games on the road, which coupled with the new manager bounce could offer the Yorkshire side a slither of hope.

However, mounting injuries and an overall lack of quality have made competing increasingly hard. Hecky said as much in his final post-match interview, criticising the club for putting finances before football.

 

 

One might expect the Blades to be in a defiant mood for the early stages of Wednesday’s game and from a betting point of view, that matters.

Their away form may be shambolic but United have kept five of their season home games close. Man City and Man Utd were both fortunate to escape Bramall Lane with 2-1 wins.

It’s worth noting that the Reds have won just one of six on their travels and two of 10 by two clear goals in all competitions. Their most notable slip-up was the 1-1 draw against Luton.

A team that is backed into a corner more often than not gives a response, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the hosts get on the scoresheet and make a game of this.

Liverpool have conceded in all 10 of their away games this season and may leave gaps if they sense their hosts are vulnerable, so both teams to score is the best bet.

Team news

Chris Basham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, John Egan, Tom Davies, Daniel Jebbison, Rhian Brewster and George Baldock are ruled out due to injury.

Oli McBurnie is serving a suspension for two yellow cards.

Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, Joel Matip and Stefan Bajcetic are ruled out due to injury.

Mohamed Salah is one away from his 200th goal in a Liverpool shirt and could form a three-pronged attack with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

 

Key stats

- Sheffield United made the worst-ever start to a Premier League season
- Despite their poor form, Sheffield United average a goal per game at home
- Liverpool have conceded in all 10 away games this season
- Liverpool have one of 20 meetings by more than two goals

 

Suggested bets

Sheffield United +2.25 Asian handicap

Both teams to score

Over 3.5 goals