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Liverpool face a team at Sheffield United that they beat at home and away last season, although that doesn’t tell the whole story.
At Anfield in January, they were three relatively easy points for the Reds, helped by a goal from Mohamed Salah, in a controlled performance by Jurgen Klopp’s men.
In the reverse encounter 13 months ago, Liverpool needed a slip from goalkeeper Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, after Gini Wijnaldum fired from the edge of the area with 20 minutes to go.
In both games, Liverpool played their usual 4-3-3 system, James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum formed the midfield in the first and Fabinho replaced Milner in the second.
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This time, however, the circumstances are perfect for Liverpool to move into a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Klopp and his players still to use that system despite having tried it during preseason.
On the Analyzing Anfield podcast, Josh Williams said: “I think a 4-2-3-1 could be on the cards because we know for a fact that Sheffield United will play a back-five.”
“Klopp sometimes goes 4-2-3-1 against a five-defense system because the attacking group of four forwards can hold down the five from behind occupying the channels between each player.
“If Fabinho is to be used in defense, Diogo Jota is really looking forward to playing and Liverpool are also at home, maybe Klopp will opt for four attackers and a midfield for two.
“Maybe he will be less inclined to play 4-2-3-1 without Virgil van Dijk on the baseline, but if Thiago Alcántara is playing, that gives you more control.”
David Hughes added: “It’s the perfect opportunity to change. You know what to expect from the opposition and even though there are question marks about Xherdan Shaqiri, he tends to come in and get the job done.
“Think about the Merseyside derby last year, where he came in, scored and had a very good game.
“I think it’s the perfect opposition. They’re not in great shape and you may need to break them a bit more. Jota is a very good candidate to get in, and if Thiago is in shape [it makes even more sense]. “
After Klopp’s triple change against Ajax, taking off all three of his front row at the hour mark in what was clearly a premeditated trade, Salah, Mane and Firmino seemed confident to start.
Takumi Minamino will also hope to make an impact on the game, although Jota would appear to be the favorite to come in next door and complement the attack that impressed the most on Wednesday night.
But whoever Klopp chooses in his midfield and front line, a switch to a more offensive formation and the 4-2-3-1 system that has worked so well in the past, makes perfect sense.
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