Big Game Focus: Liverpool v Sheffield United

League leaders Liverpool host Sheffield United in their first game of the new decade. Click here to bet on the game.

Liverpool have the chance to restore their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League table tonight when they take on Sheffield United. The Reds have a near-perfect record in England’s top flight this season, winning 18 of their 19 games, and are on 17-game winning streak at Anfield in the league.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have so far overcome a busy schedule with flying colours. Having lifted the Club World Cup in Qatar in mid-December, they returned to England to beat Leicester and Wolves. Those results, partnered with a slip-up from rivals Manchester City, means it looks likely that the league title will head to Anfield for the first time in 30 years.

Sheffield United have proven to be the biggest surprise in this season’s Premier League. Having been a favourite for relegation at the start of the season, Chris Wilder has ensured that his side have spent the majority of the campaign in the top half. Defeat at Manchester City last time out was their first away defeat of the season.

The Reds show no sign of slowing down, but the Blades have not made life easy for any team they have faced so far. Can they provide an upset tonight?

Betting tips

Liverpool have won 28 of their last 30 games in the Premier League and have won the last 12 at Anfield. They have not dropped points to a promoted team since a 2-0 defeat at Hull in February 2017. Having already beaten Sheffield United once this season, the Reds are favourites to win this time at odds of 1.30.

With 14 goals conceded in 19 games, the league leaders unsurprisingly boast the best defensive record in the division. Meanwhile, Sheffield United have scored just 23 goals, the 15th highest tally in the Premier League so far. Klopp’s men have not conceded in over 400 minutes of league football and you can back Both Teams to Score No tonight at odds of 1.75.

Sadio Mane is currently Liverpool’s leading scorer in the Premier League with ten goals to his name, including the game’s only goal in their victory over Wolves last time out. The Senegalese striker has seven goals at Anfield this season in all competitions. Odds of 2.15 are available for him to add his name to the scoresheet tonight.

Team news

New signing Takumi Minamino will have to wait to make his Liverpool debut, while fellow wingers Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri will miss out through injury. Defensive duo Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip remain out of action.

Wilder will be left sweating over the fitness of midfielder John Lundstram, who missed Sunday’s defeat at Manchester City with an ankle injury.

Possible teams

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Lallana, Keita, Salah, Origi, Mane

Sheffield United: Henderson, Baldock, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Stevens, Besic, Norwood, Fleck, Mousset, Robinson