Projected Starting XI for Liverpool against Sheffield United today

Liverpool took residence at the top of the Premier League table last weekend and will be aiming to extend their lead at the summit on Thursday evening.

The Reds returned from the March international break with a 2-1 victory over Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, with the Premier League title race now firmly back in their hands after Manchester City and Arsenal’s bore draw.

Jurgen Klopp is starting to welcome back some of his key personnel after significant injury layoffs at a crucial point in the run-in, but he is still without some heavy hitters across his starting XI.

While a home clash with Sheffield United should be relatively straightforward, Liverpool may have one eye on a vital away trip to Old Trafford to face rivals Manchester United this coming weekend, with Klopp’s men having lost there in the FA Cup just before the international period.

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – With Alisson still sidelined, Kelleher will be starting again on Thursday night. The Irish international has been in terrific form while filling in for his injured teammate and won’t expect to be too busy against the Blades.

RB: Conor Bradley – The youngster continues to astound with his mature and tireless displays at right-back and the Northern Ireland prodigy is sure to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a run for his money when the latter returns to fitness.

CB: Jarell Quansah – Despite featuring for France over the international break, Ibrahima Konate was only deemed fit enough for the Liverpool bench on Sunday. He may be rested again with the big game against Man Utd to come, meaning the impressive Quansah may be in line for some more minutes.

CB: Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool skipper simply must start when fit, with the Dutchman having scored an important goal in the reverse fixture in December.

LB: Joe Gomez – With Andy Robertson’s participation in doubt, Gomez may be favoured at left-back. The Englishman has shown his quality in the full-back roles this season, although Kostas Tsimikas may be utilised to offer a little more attacking threat down the flank.

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – The midfielder was in fine form for Hungary over the international period and put in a strong if unspectacular display against Brighton..

CM: Wataru Endo – Few expected the Japan skipper to be a must-start when the season began, but that’s certainly the case now. Endo will be tasked with hoovering things up in front of the backline, while his presence also enables Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai more freedom.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Player of the match against his former side Brighton last time out, the Argentine has been in sensational form for the Reds since moving into a more advanced role. The perfect playmaker for Klopp, he will be the chief creator up against Sheffield United’s low block.

RW: Mohamed Salah – Despite scoring the winner against Brighton, the Egyptian was surprisingly wasteful having taken a remarkable 12 shots across the 90 minutes. However, he will be eyeing up some more goals against the Premier League’s most porous defence midweek.

ST: Darwin Nunez – Liverpool’s ‘Captain Chaos’ was uncharacteristically quiet against the Seagulls, but his pace and relentlessness will be key to unlocking the Sheffield United backline.

LW: Luis Diaz – Much improved in 2024, the Colombian was at his tricky best against Brighton last time out, getting his name on the scoresheet with an instinctive and clever finish. Diaz was also on fire over the international period and his hit form at just the right time.