Liverpool will face a team at Sheffield United that they beat at home and away last season – though that doesn’t tell the full story.
In Anfield in January it was a relatively straightforward three points for the Reds, supported by a goal by Mohamed Salah in a controlled performance by Jürgen Klopp’s men.
In the second leg 13 months ago, Liverpool needed a slip from goalkeeper Dean Henderson – on loan from Manchester United – after Gini Wijnaldum shot from the edge of the field 20 minutes from time.
In both games, Liverpool played their usual 4-3-3 system, with James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Wijnaldum forming midfield in the former and Fabinho Milner replacing in the latter.
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This time around, however, the circumstances are perfect for Liverpool to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Klopp and his players have yet to use this system, despite testing it last season.
On the Anfield Analysis podcast, Josh Williams said, “I think a 4-2-3-1 could be on the agenda because we know for sure that Sheffield United will play a back-five.
“Klopp sometimes goes 4-2-3-1 against a back five system because the group of front four attackers can put back the back five by occupying the channels between the individual players.”
“When Fabinho is used in defense, Diogo Jota is hard to reach and Liverpool are at home too. Maybe Klopp will choose four attackers and two for midfield.”
“Maybe he’s less inclined to play 4-2-3-1 without Virgil van Dijk in the backline, but when Thiago Alcantara plays you have more control.”
David Hughes added: “It’s the perfect opportunity to switch. You know what to expect from the opposition and while there are question marks about Xherdan Shaqiri, he’s more likely to come in and do the job.
“Think about the Merseyside derby last year when he scored a goal and had a really good game.
“I just think it’s the perfect opposition. You’re not in great shape and you may need to take them down a bit more. Jota is a really good candidate to come in and when Thiago is fit [it makes even more sense]. “
After the triple switch that Klopp had made against Ajax and which took off all three of his front lines on the hour in a clearly deliberate swap, Salah, Mane and Firmino seemed to be starting with certainty.
Takumi Minamino will also be hoping to have an impact on the game, although Jota appears to be the favorite to join the team and complement the attack that impressed the most on Wednesday night.
But whoever chooses Klopp in their midfield and striker line, a move to a more offensive formation and the 4-2-3-1 system that has worked so well in the past makes a lot of sense.
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