Liverpool fans label Sheffield United game as 'the ultimate footballing test'

Paul Heckingbottom, who steered the Blades back to the English top flight last season, has become the first managerial casualty in the Premier League this campaign.

The decision followed a dismal performance at Turf Moor, where Burnley secured a resounding 5-0 victory. Heckingbottom suggested that some players let the team down during the match, which saw Oliver McBurnie being sent off before halftime.

With 11 losses in their opening 14 games and only five points on the board, Sheffield United currently sits at the bottom of the league table.

Meanwhile, Liverpool aim to strengthen their position in the title race when they visit Bramall Lane on Wednesday.

Could Chris Wilder and the Blades get that new manager bounce? Are Liverpool fearful of that factor? Let’s find out…

Opposition fans

Roy’s view:

“This is it, the ultimate footballing test – a cold Wednesday night at Bramall Lane.”

“A trip to Bramall Lane now to face bottom of the league Sheffield United. There will probably be wholesale changes here by the Reds, who have added Joel Matip to an injury list that contains Alisson, Robertson, Thiago, Bajcetic and Diogo Jota.”

“Might have to rotate the midfield a bit. A few of them looked tired or just not at the races. Same could be said of the front 3 to be fair.”

“Big big game. We got lucky on Sunday, this is kind of game where we really see where this squad is at.”

“I’d take any win, preferably a comfortable one.”

“They shouldn’t be able to compete with us, but with our track record on the road, cold mid-week match, new manager bump… A lot seems to be going against us. All we have is more talent.”

“Of course Sheff UTD sack their manager before they play us. Right on queue as always”

“Sheffield United, why couldn’t you wait till after the game with Liverpool to sack your manager…Cant wait to watch them have the game of their lives now…”

“Sheffield United sacked their manager, couldn’t they wait until after the Liverpool game. Now watch how suddenly they play like Barcelona on Wed!!”

“Just know Sheffield United turn up against us don’t you.”

Key stats

Sheffield United hold a bad record against Liverpool, having lost their last five Premier League encounters. Liverpool, with two consecutive wins in their previous league visits to Bramall Lane, aim to maintain their success.

If the Blades concede twice or more, they will create a Premier League record for the most goals conceded after 15 games.

Starting the match in last place, Sheffield United have secured each of their last eight top-flight wins while positioned at the bottom of the table.

Liverpool enters the game winless in their last four top-flight away matches, struggling to keep clean sheets in eight games and conceding the opening goal in each of their past six away league games, marking their longest such run since 1993.

My opinion

Given Wilder and his staff have only taken charge of one training session, I’m not expecting anything too different in terms of formation. But I am expecting a lot more effort up and down the pitch on Wednesday night.

Although Jurgen Klopp’s team have looked good this season, I still think they’re much easier to exploit nowadays than past seasons. Look what Fulham did at the weekend as an example.

I’m a big believer in the new manager bounce, for that reason I’m going to say the Blades will start Wilder’s second tenure with a shock draw against title-chasing Liverpool.