Liverpool starting lineup to face Sheffield United - predicted

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Thursday night when they welcome Sheffield United to Anfield in another must-win fixture. 

The Reds returned to the top of the table on Sunday afternoon after goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool to a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Both Manchester City and Arsenal dropped points when they clashed in Sunday's late kick-off following a goalless draw, and Jurgen Klopp's side took advantage with victory against the Seagulls.

However, there is no rest in the Premier League, with Liverpool in action again midweek against the struggling Blades.

Liverpool's injury woes are starting to ease but they still have a number of injury concerns ahead of the clash with Chris Wilder's men, with Klopp having some selection headaches to contend with.

Here is how Liverpool could line up against Sheffield United.

GOALKEEPER & DEFENDERS

Klopp is not likely to change too much from Liverpool's victory over Brighton, but with Manchester United to come next weekend, he may be forced into one or two changes.

Caoimhin Kelleher will retain his place in the Liverpool goal as Alisson remains several weeks away from returning to training, while skipper Virgil van Dijk is a guaranteed starter.

Conor Bradley is likely to retain his spot at right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold still sidelined, while Andy Robertson may not be rushed back into the fold after his injury scare with Scotland. As a result, Joe Gomez may feature at left-back again.

Jarell Quansah has been fantastic during the recent absence of Ibrahima Konate, but the latter may return to the starting lineup having been fit enough for the bench on Sunday.

MIDFIELDERS

The good news for Klopp is that Curtis Jones should be back in the squad for the clash with Sheffield United, although it's unlikely that he will start after six weeks out of action.

Ryan Gravenberch also made his first appearance since the Carabao Cup final from the bench against Brighton, while Harvey Elliott is also a fantastic option in reserve.

However, the midfield pretty much picks itself at the moment, with Wataru Endo sitting at the base of the triangle.

Alexis Mac Allister was the star of the show against his former employers on Sunday and will feature once again in his favoured box-to-box role, with Dominik Szoboszlai also likely to start.

FORWARDS

Diogo Jota is nearing a return for the Reds but is still sidelined, although he was recently spotted back in training.

Cody Gakpo has been out of sorts in recent weeks and has fallen down the pecking order, with Liverpool's forward line also picking itself on Thursday.

Luis Diaz, who was fantastic against Brighton, will start on the left flank, while Mohamed Salah will be hoping to add to his 16 Premier League strikes against the Blades.

Darwin Nunez will lead the line after a relatively quiet outing against the Seagulls. The Uruguayan grabbed an assist in the 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in December.

PREDICTED LIVERPOOL XI VS SHEFFIELD UNITED

(4-3-3): Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.