Similar to my preview of Burnley, the stereotype inflicted upon Sheffield United is one which frustrates me, with them being labelled as a side that play unattractive, so-called “hoof-ball”. Those that suggest this could do with a serious footballing lesson, and I’m sure if they were to watch the Blades they would realise that this is a team with mass capabilities and a system that the Premier League has never seen before.Playing a 5-3-2 formation may just imply that they are resolute and defensive but this is far from the case. Within that back 5 is Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham, overlapping centre-backs that love to bomb forward down the left and right wing respectively. Although it is a high-risk strategy, when utilised to perfection, it is a system that will cause teams many problems this season, with Wilders’ side looking to create 2 v 1 situations all over the field.So far this season, two of Sheffield United’s most impressive players have been Enda Stevens and George Baldock, the wing-backs who have provided a lot of quality from either flank. O’Connell and Basham bombing forward is often a decoy for Stevens and Baldock to open up space and deliver crosses into the box, so it is important that Liverpool’s central midfielders on the day to cover for Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite this, coming up against an emphatic Liverpool side, it’ll be interesting to see if Wilder opts for a more considerate approach. With the pace and power the reds have going forward, the last thing Wilder will want is to be caught out on the counter-attack. This has the makings of a game which has the potential to slip away from the hosts if they take too many risks going forward.
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Another key trait of Sheffield United is their potency from set-pieces, with Oliver Norwood’s wand of a right-foot already causing several teams problems so far this season. In a game whereby chances may be limited, set-pieces may be United’s route to goal, and they will be hoping to test out the Liverpool defence that has only kept 1 clean sheet in 6 league games, despite only conceding once in each of those games.
Oliver McBurnie, a recent record signing from Swansea, will be hoping that his presence in the penalty area will stir some concern for the likes of Matip and Van Dijk, but for him it is important he holds the ball up well throughout the game, allowing his teammates to push up the field and prevent Liverpool from taking territorial control.Overall, this is a game that Sheffield United will be looking forward to, a chance to prove themselves against European elite. Bramall Lane will undoubtedly be bouncing and it is vital that the Blades thrive off the noise to deliver a performance to remember. It is bound to be an incredibly tough game for them, but in the Premier League anything can happen.Prediction: Sheffield United 0-2 LiverpoolWritten by: Daniel Ghorbal @danghorbal
