Image copyright: Getty Images
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 15
Sheffield United v Liverpool
Bramall Lane
Sheffield, England
Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Kick-off is at 19h30
Liverpool will attempt to keep the pressure on the
Premier League leaders when they cross the Pennines to take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday, December 6.
The Reds overcame Fulham 4-3 courtesy of two late goals at Anfield on December 3 to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches and overtake Manchester City into second place.
Jurgen Klopp's side went a point clear of the Citizens, who drew 3-3 with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium to drop points for the third game in succession as the Gunners beat Wolves 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium to maintain their two-point lead.
The Blades ended matchday 14 in the basement as a result of the 5-0 drubbing they received at the hands of Burnley on December 2 at Turf Moor, which saw the Clarets climb off the foot of the table up to 19th spot, level on seven points with Everton, who edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground.
Luton (17th) are still within striking distance after they went down 3-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium to remain just two points away from the relegation zone in 17th position.
William Osula was afforded 45 minutes against Burnley after Oli McBurnie's dismissal on the stroke of half-time forced the visitors into a reshuffle. The Danish striker had some of the Blades' best chances to get back into the contest, forcing James Trafford into a sharp save at close range before steering a free header over the crossbar and then stinging the palms of the goalkeeper late on.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been Liverpool's saviour in the last two games, scoring an 80th-minute equaliser against City before bagging a dramatic 88th-minute winner to down the Cottagers. The England right-back had earlier broken the deadlock with a superb free-kick, although the goal was credited to Bernd Leno after the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and went in off the goalkeeper.
Under-fire Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has vowed to continue fighting amid speculation that he could become the first casualty of the Premier League season.
"I'll just continue doing what we're doing with the resources we've got. I can always hold my head up high. I always give my best. That won't change," Heckingbottom told Sky Sports.
"We plan and pick a team who can handle and impose ourselves on the game. We wanted to put a marker down in our duels.
"We dangled two legs and we're down within 30 seconds. The second goal was not too much better. Then we lost a man with two yellow cards.
"We made it easier for Burnley than they expected. We can't be feeling sorry for ourselves. It looked like one or two were towards the end."
Klopp acknowledges the triumph over Fulham will give his players a welcome lift going into the busy festive fixtures, which always tests the squad to its limits.
"Of course it's much better to win a game and go into the next game," the German said. "But it's hard for all of us, for the players and we have to get through this and we have to see if we can or have to make changes and who can play again and these kind of things.
"Yeah, going in that period, which is tough anyway, with a positive result is better but the real decision how the next game will be will be made at Sheffield."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Sheffield United - 0
Liverpool - 5
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 15 fixtures:
Tuesday, December 5
19h30: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley
20h15: Luton Town v Arsenal
Wednesday, December 6
19h30: Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
19h30: Crystal Palace v Bournemouth
19h30: Fulham v Nottingham Forest
19h30: Sheffield United v Liverpool
20h15: Aston Villa v Manchester City
20h15: Manchester United v Chelsea
Thursday, December 7
19h30: Everton v Newcastle United
20h15: Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.