Jurgen Klopp’s men were thrashed 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in their last Premier League encounter, with Sadio Mane’s red card towards the end of the first half proving costly. It was always going to be difficult for Liverpool to pick up a positive result once they were numerically disadvantaged, but supporters will have been disappointed with how easy it was for City to rack up the goals in the second period.
Nevertheless, it is important that the Merseysiders do not continue to dwell on that loss, which was their first of the campaign in all competitions. Collecting three points here would keep them in touch with the early pace-setters Manchester City and Manchester United, as Liverpool attempt to end their 27-year wait for a 19th league title. Defensive doubts have re-emerged in recent days – the Reds were shaky at the back in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday – so a clean sheet would also be welcome this weekend.
Despite early trips to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley have only lost one of their four matches up to now. A shock opening-day victory over the champions at Stamford Bridge was followed by a 1-0 reverse at home to West Brom, before Sean Dyche’s charges picked up a point against Spurs and beat Crystal Palace 1-0. The Clarets were rather fortunate to win the latter of those games – which proved to be Frank de Boer’s final one in charge of Palace – but there have been plenty of positives to take from the side’s showings so far.
Burnley may not be blessed with the most talented individuals in the division, but the whole is once again worth more than the sum of its parts. Every visiting player will be fully aware of his role and responsibilities at Anfield, which is why Liverpool will have to remain patient as they search for a breakthrough this weekend.
Liverpool will be without Danny Ings (knee) on Saturday afternoon, while Sadio Mane is suspended. Philippe Coutinho could be included in the starting XI for the first time this season following his failure to secure a dream move to Barcelona; the Brazilian spent much of last term as part of the Reds’ front three, but a midfield berth may work better as the hosts attempt to break down a stubborn opponent in Burnley. Simon Mignolet will return between the sticks after Loris Karius deputised in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Sevilla, while Trent Alexander-Arnold could start ahead of Joe Gomez at right-back.
Burnley, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of goalkeeper Tom Heaton (shoulder), striker Nakhi Wells (ankle) and midfielders Jeff Hendrick (thigh) and Dean Marney (knee). Dyche often sets his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, but he will probably drop a striker – Chris Wood’s recent goalscoring form means Sam Vokes is most likely to make way – in order to field an extra midfielder here. Centre-backs Ben Mee and James Tarkowski will have their work cut out in keeping Firmino, Mane and Salah quiet, with the Clarets set to defend deep and maintain a compact shape throughout.
Taking everything into account, it is worth backing Liverpool to come out on top in front of their own supporters at Anfield. The odds on a straightforward home win are predictably short, though, so instead consider a wager on the Reds to triumph in a match featuring more than 2.5 goals. It is also worth looking at the first goalscorer market, where Mohamed Salah would be a good choice.
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