Chris Wilder reveals his respect for Jurgen Klopp - and how Sheffield United will approach test of facing Liverpool at Anfield

The Blades boss praised his opposite number either side of September's meeting between the two sides at Bramall Lane, both for his attitude and character and also because he stayed behind in Wilder's office after the game for a beer.

Wilder apologised to the assembled media for his lateness after sharing a drink with Klopp, and also gifted the Liverpool boss some champagne after he was crowned FIFA's coach of the year earlier that week.

And ahead of their reunion on Thursday, Wilder said: "I see the bigger picture but I can also see the intensity he works at, and the attention to detail he has.

"Even before the game he's out there on the pitch, studying and watching. He's involved in every second of the game and if that's good enough for the best in the world, then it's good enough for managers like myself.

"His connection with the players is there to be seen. He genuinely cares for them and has that respect, and it's a two-way thing.

"And the love he has for his club is plain to see, too."

Wilder's men will be looking to shatter Liverpool's long unbeaten run, after seeing their own record away from home broken by Manchester City on Sunday.

The Reds, though, finished 2019 13 points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand, and look certain to win their first Premier League title.

"They have undoubted quality but the mentality of their group is so strong, to go on the run they have," Wilder added.

"Anfield is an iconic stadium and they bring so much to the English game. They're one of the most powerful and historic clubs we have.

"We'd like to put a little bump in their road, as we tried to do at City. We believed we could get something from the game at City, even when we went behind, and we have to have the same mindset at Anfield."