Jurgen Klopp’s charges recovered from their recent loss to Premier League champions Leicester City by beating Arsenal 3-1 last time out. It was an important victory for the Reds, who were heavily criticised after that aforementioned defeat at the King Power Stadium, and Jurgen Klopp will have been delighted to see his team continue their excellent record in head-to-head battles against their fellow top-six sides. Liverpool’s issue this term has been their inconsistency against bottom-half outfits, however – the Merseysiders have dropped points against Leicester, Hull City, Sunderland, Swansea City, West Ham United and Bournemouth, as well as Burnley in the second game of the season – and it will be essential that they do not undo all of their hard work by failing to beat the Clarets on Sunday.
Burnley succumbed to a 3-2 defeat by Swansea City last weekend, as Fernando Llorente’s dramatic late goal brought the home side victory at the Liberty Stadium. That reverse extended Sean Dyche’s side’s winless run in the top tier to four games, but the promoted outfit still have a sizeable margin of 10 points separating them from the bottom three, which is evidence of the fantastic season the bookmakers’ former favourites for relegation have had. Burnley have been extremely disappointing away from home, though: the Clarets have taken just two points from a possible 39 on the road and are still awaiting their first win at a stadium other than Turf Moor this term.
Liverpool will have to make do without Daniel Sturridge (hip), Danny Ings (knee), Marko Grujic (hamstring) and Ovie Ejaria (ankle), but club captain Jordan Henderson could return to the fold after a foot injury – if the England international is fit enough to feature from the start, Emre Can is the man most likely to make way. Klopp will keep faith with his customary 4-3-3 formation, with a front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho set to cause the visitors significant problems.
Burnley, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of Johann Berg Gudmundsson (knee), Steven Defour (hamstring), Dean Marney (knee), Kevin Long (knee), but goalkeeper Tom Heaton should return after a bout of illness. Dyche favours a 4-4-2 configuration but may switch to a 4-5-1 in order to give his side a greater degree of security in midfield.
Taking everything into account, it is probably worth backing Liverpool to come out on top – although this match may not be as straightforward as many are anticipating. The Reds have struggled to break down sides such as Burnley this season and Dyche’s charges will look to make life difficult for their illustrious opponents, but the hosts should ultimately have too much attacking firepower for the Clarets. A home win looks like the way to go here, while Mane would be a good choice to find the back of the net at some point in the game.
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