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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Peter Harris

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool should make defensive change for Sheffield United

Jamie Carragher has urged Jurgen Klopp to make a key decision over who starts in defence this weekend while also sending Liverpool a warning as they prepare to face Sheffield United.

Chris Wilder will bring his side to Anfield on Saturday evening and the Premier League champions may again shuffle their backline following the injury to Virgil van Dijk.

Joe Gomez partnered Fabinho in the centre of defence for the Champions League group stage clash against Ajax on Wednesday but Joel Matip could be in line to regain his place in their next Premier League fixture.

Fabinho was impressive during the 1-0 win in Amsterdam, pulling off a stunning goal line clearance to ensure his side came away with a clean sheet and all three points.

Former Reds defender Carragher has called on Klopp to recall Matip as he believes the Cameroonian will be needed to combat one of Sheffield United's key strengths.

Responding to a poll over who should start on Twitter, the Sky Sports pundit said: "Start Matip, need more height in the team for set pieces against Sheffield United."

The Blades have actually found goals extremely difficult to come by so far this season only scoring twice in their opening five games, with one of those coming from the penalty spot.

Meanwhile, they've conceded seven in the same amount of time as they are still to find their first win of the season.

A lot of Reds fans will be keeping an eye on the oppositions team sheet however, with their record signing and ex-Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster eyeing up a potential start against his former side.

Alisson Becker, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita were also missing from Liverpool's Champions League win at Ajax, with no guarantee any will have regained fitness in time for the weekend.

*Who do you think should start in defence against Sheffield United? Let us know in the comments.

Liverpool against the Blades kicks off at 8pm on Saturday night.

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