Game Week 15 Predictions: Liverpool to compound Sheffield's misery

Sheffield United appoints Chris Wilder after Heckingbottom's exit; can they upset Liverpool?

Sheffield United begins life without Paul Heckingbottom with the visit of Liverpool to Bramall Lane, how will Chris Wilder's first game on his return turn out? (Photo credit: 90Mins)

 Sheffield United vs. Liverpool

Bramall Lane

8:30pm

Paul Heckingbottom was shown the exit door, becoming the first managerial casualty of the season, and you can’t blame the Sheffield hierarchy; losing 5-0 to your relegation rival is unacceptable.

The quality available to the departed Heckingbottom can’t compete, but he showed some promises; however, results refuse to show forth. Chris Wilder, fans’ favourite, is back in the dugout. What a game to kickstart his return.

Liverpool left it late at home to Fulham at the weekend. It’s the official rebirth of Trent Alexander Arnold. A change in role may have done him a world of good, but he is still a suspect defensively. Liverpool must find creative ways to accommodate his weaknesses.

The 4-3 win over Fulham took Liverpool to the second spot on the log. The Kops profited from Manchester City’s slip at home to Tottenham Hotspur, and with Arsenal surging five points clear on Tuesday night at Luton, Liverpool can’t afford to drop points.

Chris Wilder knows what is at stake; the Blades are still the hot favourite to go down, but he will try his best to halt the rot and stem the tide. A game against Liverpool anywhere is a free hit for a club of Sheffield’s stature, but it’s not impossible.

Oli McBurnie was sent off against the Clarets; he will miss the visit to Liverpool. There are a host of absentees as well; Chris Basham, John Egan, George Baldock, and Ryan Brewster are all unavailable, to say the least.

Liverpool will be without Alisson; Diogo Jota is injured as well; and Joel Matip has joined Tiago Alcantara and Andy Robertson on the sidelines. Jurgen Klopp was left catching his breath after the Fulham game; he would want a straightforward game this time.

Sheffield United will need the Bramall Lane crowd to help the team. It’s not going to be easy for the Blades; they must be brave, and when they do get their own chances, they can’t afford to pass them on; they must take them.

Liverpool will bank on the dynamism of Alexander Arnold; he will occupy the space in midfield, and he will be dangerous on set pieces. Darwin Nunez is another player to watch out for; he missed a couple of sitters against the Lilywhites. Mohammed Salah is another demon to pay attention to.

Verdict: Straight win for Liverpool