Huge respect for Sheffield United, but comfortable victory expected - The view from Liverpool ahead of Saturday's game

That's the view of Liverpool expert Henry Jackson, of Reds site This is Anfield, who gave The Star a comprehensive view from Merseyside ahead of the game.

How would you assess Liverpool's start to the season?

Well it was going superbly until a couple of weeks ago. Three wins out of three, a masterclass against Arsenal and another Premier League title looked highly likely. Then the sky fell in (bit of an overreaction).

The 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa was a woeful performance - so bad, in fact, that I could accept it. It really was just 'one of those' days when nobody played well, Villa were magnificent, and were also aided by THREE deflections.

Then came the injustice of the Everton game. Liverpool responded to that defeat with an excellent performance at Goodison Park, but Virgil van Dijk's injury was a sickener and Jordan Henderson's disallowed goal was a travesty. I've rarely felt so robbed in a game.

The start to the season still has to be considered positive, without question, but Van Dijk's injury is a monumental blow and four points dropped already is a shock to the system compared to the last few years.

Will it be more difficult to retain the title the second time around?

Definitely. I always thought it would be a huge challenge because Man City were always going to raise their game and others have improved, but Van Dijk's absence makes it far harder.

He is the best centre-back in the world - the best I have even seen, in fact - and the confidence he gives those around him has suddenly disappeared.

I'm hearing some people say a top four challenge now may be a struggle, which is nonsense, however. Liverpool are still arguably the best team in the league even without Van Dijk and I would be shocked if they finish worse than second. They have world-class players throughout the team.

Injuries could continue to play a huge part in the title race because the fixtures are so relentless - Kevin De Bruyne getting a long-term injury could swing it back in the Reds' favour, for example.

Who will be your side's main threats?

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have started the season in superb form, particularly the former. He has just scored his 100th Liverpool goal in just 159 appearances, which is freakish. He is an all-time Reds great, as is Mane for that matter.

Thiago has been a joy to watch since coming in, so he is definitely someone who could hurt Sheffield United. He sees passes that the majority of footballers don't and can run a game with ease.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are always key, too, with their creativity from full-back second to none in the Premier League, and Europe for that matter.

Are Reds fans expecting a comfortable victory this weekend?

I do think it feels a little as though the world is against Liverpool at the moment, so there is a slight negativity creeping in among the fanbase, and a feeling that anything is possible in matches.

That being said, with all due respect to United, the Reds simply have to be winning these fixtures if they want to clinch back-to-back titles. A comfortable victory should be expected.

Were Reds fans disappointed to see Rhian Brewster leave?

They were, but there was also an acceptance about it. It was so difficult to see where Rhian Brewster would earn playing time, such is the level of quality and experience ahead of him. Not only is there Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino, but also Takumi Minamino, Diogo Jota and Divock Origi.

It is never nice to see a young hopeful move on, but I think the feeling is that if he excels at Bramall Lane, Liverpool could re-sign him further down the line, and if he flops then it was the right decision to move him on.

What are United's threats perceived to be amongst your fanbase?

I don't think there are individuals who frighten Liverpool fans - it would be typical for Brewster to score, though - but I think I speak for many when I say there's a huge respect for United as a team, and Chris Wilder as a manager.

They gave Liverpool an incredibly tough game at Bramall Lane last season, and the Reds were lucky to win, and the Anfield fixture was also far from a walkover.

United are an awkward side to face and they appear exceptionally well-drilled, so everyone is well aware what a tricky match it could be on Saturday.

I personally have a lot of time for John Fleck as a player, on the relatively rare occasions I've seen him.

Can the Blades survive in this division?

I am worried about them currently. They look like a team who gave their all last season but haven't got a huge amount more to offer in the Premier League, without sounding too disrespectful. Opponents may have adjusted to their playing style, too.

On current form, it is hard to look beyond a relegation fight, but it is still such early days that it is reckless to start making bold predictions, especially when this season looks such a mad one. I hope I'm wrong, because I respect them as a club.

I would love Brewster to fire United up the table.

Key battles

Robertson and Mane are a devastating pair down Liverpool's left-hand side, so United must deal with that danger, or risk being torn apart.

In midfield, Thiago cannot be allowed too much time on the ball or he will completely dictate the game, and Jordan Henderson is also a vital player who is so dominant at his best.

If Brewster starts, his tussle with Liverpool's centre-backs will be very interesting, with the youngster knowing those players inside out after training with them for a while.

Not only that, but he will fancy his chances without Van Dijk around, whether it be Joe Gomez, Joel Matip or Fabinho starting at centre-back. David McGoldrick is a handful if he is preferred, and he could also get some joy.

Prediction

It won't be as one-sided as some people think, but after a slow start, I think Liverpool will pull through and win relatively comfortably. I will say 3-1 to the Reds.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor