Liverpool will look to regain their spot at the top of the Premier League table on Thursday night when they host struggling Sheffield United at Anfield.

Sunday’s victory over Brighton coupled with the draw between title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal ensured the Reds headed into Gameweek 31 in first place in England’s top flight and another victory is expected to keep their charge alive ahead of manager Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure.

The Merseysiders have a particularly strong recent record against the Blades, too. Here’s how the two sides have fared in their last ten meetings.

Liverpool kept the pressure on Premier League title rivals Arsenal with this December victory over Sheffield Utd.

Chris Wilder had just returned to Bramall Lane as manager and received a hero’s welcome from the home crowd, basking in the glory of the ‘He’s one of our own’ chants, but Virgil van Dijk’s half-volley silenced the Blades supporters shortly before half-time.

Darwin Nunez then won possession with a robust challenge on Jayden Bogle late on in the build-up to the second goal as Dominik Szoboszlai finished well in the 94th minute to round off a 2-0 win.

Neither Liverpool nor Sheffield Utd had enjoyed seasons to remember in 2020/21 by the time this February meeting rolled around. The Reds still had the fearsome front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane at Klopp’s disposal, but injuries in defence meant there were starts for the likes of goalkeeper Adrian, Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak.

The Blades had only taken 11 points from 25 matches after staying up so impressively the season prior. They held out until the second half when Curtis Jones finally showed some clinical edge, putting Liverpool ahead in the 48th minute, and the job was finished off when Firmino’s strike deflected off Kean Bryan and looped over Aaron Ramsdale.

Liverpool’s hopes of defending their Premier League title won in 2019/20 were dealt a massive blow when Van Dijk suffered a long-term injury in a Merseyside derby immediately before this clash at Anfield.

Fabinho filled in at centre-back but gave away a penalty early on when he brought down Oli McBurnie, allowing Sander Berge to slot in from 12 yards.

Firmino managed to convert a rebound from a saved Salah shot in the 41st minute and Diogo Jota’s header secured all three points in the second half, moving Klopp’s side level with early pace-setters Everton.

Liverpool also put two goals past Sheffield Utd in January 2020 when they made it a year without losing in the Premier League.

The Blades were a top-half side as they visited Merseyside but a defensive mishap from George Baldock helped Andy Robertson set up Salah early on. While the visitors were spirited and had a goal ruled out for offside, Mane’s 64th-minute strike ensured a straightforward win for the champions-elect.

A Dean Henderson gaffe proved enough for Liverpool to leave Bramall Lane with the points in September 2019, with Sheffield Utd boss Chris Wilder rather scathing in his assessment after the fixture.

Seen at the time as a potential long-term successor for Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Henderson’s mistake arrived in the 70th minute as he made a hash of Georginio Wijnaldum’s effort, allowing the ball to agonisingly squirm over the line.

Speaking post-match, Wilder quipped: “I am not going to put my arms around him, simply he needs to do better.” Ouch.

Result

Date

Competition

Sheffield Utd 0-2 Liverpool

6 December 2023

Premier League

Sheffield Utd 0-2 Liverpool

28 February 2021

Premier League

Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield Utd

24 October 2020

Premier League

Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield Utd

2 January 2020

Premier League

Sheffield Utd 0-1 Liverpool

28 September 2019

Premier League

Liverpool 4-0 Sheffield Utd

24 February 2007

Premier League

Sheffield Utd 1-1 Liverpool

19 August 2006

Premier League

Liverpool 2-0 Sheffield Utd (AET)

21 January 2003

League Cup

Sheffield Utd 2-1 Liverpool

8 January 2003

League Cup

Sheffield Utd 0-0 Liverpool

2 April 1994

Premier League