Liverpool host Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday Evening. The odds market expect a fair amount of goals but I'll stick my neck out and propose a scarcity of goals when two of the best defensive sides in the league do battle.
Liverpool
The Reds are running away with the Premier League title this season, conceding only 14 goals in 19 games so far.
Statistics
Only 2 teams have created more shots than Liverpool so far in the Premier League this season, Liverpool creating on average 15.74 shots per game. Liverpool have created on average 6.16 shots on target per game so far in the Premier League this season, second only to Manchester City.
Only 2 teams have conceded fewer shots than Liverpool so far in the Premier League this season, Liverpool conceding on average 9.58 shots per game. No other team have conceded fewer shots on target than Liverpool so far in the Premier League this season, the Merseyside club conceding on average 2.58 shots on target per game.
Looking at the last 4 games, Liverpool have created on average 5.00 shots on target per game - above the average in the league right now. In the same time span, Jürgen Klopp's team have conceded on average 1.33 shots on target per game - the best defensive numbers in the league right now.
Three’s been on average 3.60 goals scored in Liverpool's home games this season. However, Liverpool have only conceded on average 0.90 goals per game at Anfield this season.
Sheffield United
The Blades are exceeding all expectations so far this season, holding 8:th place right now and conceding 19 goals in 20 games.
Statistics
Only 3 teams have created fewer shots and shots on target than Sheffield United so far in the Premier League this season, Sheffield United creating on average 10.25 shots and 3.35 shots on target per game.
Only 6 teams have conceded fewer shots than Sheffield United so far in the Premier League this season, Sheffield United conceding on average 10.95 shots per game. Only Liverpool and Chelsea have conceded fewer shots on target than Sheffield United so far in the Premier League this season, the South Yorkshire outfit conceding on average 3.30 shots on target per game.
Looking at the last 4 games, Sheffield United have created on average 2.25 shots on target per game - below the average in the league right now. During those very games Chris Wilder's men have conceded on average 2.00 shots on target per game - the second-best defensive numbers in the league right now.
Three’s been on average 2.80 goals scored in Sheffield United's away games this season. However, Sheffield United have only conceded on average 0.90 goals per game away from Bramall Lane this season.
Check out more Premier League stats here!
Conclusion & Betting Tips
Both teams excel in the art of conceding few shots and shots on target, the trend suggesting there may be a shortage of goals in this one.
My Betting Tip is Under 2.50 Goals and/or Under 2.75 Goals.
Stake at 3.75/10 units respectively.
