A week after the most demoralising of defeats Liverpool are back in action this time against bottom of the table Sheffield United.
For the first since 1999 Liverpool lost against their bitter rivals Everton at Anfield, many weren’t even born to see it, so it was the first time a lot of fans saw their neighbours figuratively and some quite literally celebrate in such emotional fashion.
It had to happen someday but what made it worse was the way it happened.
As soon as Richarlison scored many knew there was no way back even though it was only two minutes in.
The game was almost a carbon copy of the defeats to Southampton, Burnley, and Brighton so it was sickening watching the minutes go by knowing a loss to Everton was going to be the outcome.
Now a week on there is a time to sort this wretched form out away to Sheffield United and Jurgen Klopp has said: “We will make sure we are ready for a fight this weekend.”
This team need to show exactly that because there was no fight or desire against Everton, in the game you need it most which was really disappointing to see.
What was also really disappointing to see was another season ending injury as Jordan Henderson went off injured and had to have surgery midweek.
The likelihood is that the captain will miss the most of what is left of the season with the best case scenario being he gets a few more appearances being ready for the European Championships.
There was some positive news though regarding injuries as in his press conference Klopp confirmed that Diogo Jota is back in training.
“It’s positive. Diogo is back after a long time. The way he came back in training is very positive so we just have to make a decision over what makes sense for him. You have to focus on training and you have to enjoy it” said Klopp.
Jota was on fire at the start of the season before he picked up a needless injury in a Champions League game that did not matter in anyway shape or form.
It would be a risk to throw Jota straight in though however Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been in dreadful form so it may be needed.
Fabinho and James Milner will also be back in training but for less time than Jota so the visit to Bramall Lane may come too soon for the pair.
Also, Klopp didn’t want to speak about whether Alisson would be playing or not saying that no one had thought about it but it would be a surprise to see the Brazilian start so soon after the passing of his father.
All our thoughts are with Alisson and his family at this time.
Caoimhin Kelleher or Adrian will deputise if he does miss the fixture.
Games against relegation threatened teams have not been good to Liverpool this season with the only win against the current bottom six coming against Sheffield United.
Therefore, supporters cannot be blamed for not going into this game which such enthusiasm as Klopp’s side have relegation form themselves picking up just nine points in their last eleven games.
With no game in the week though hopefully the Premier League champions should be fresh for Chris Wilder’s side.
Wilder hasn’t been Klopp’s best mate this season and if his side do get a result their relationship certainly won’t improve.
So, there could be a tad more impetus for both sides going into this one.
Written by Elliot Thompson
