Burnley vs Liverpool
Date: 31/08/2019
K/O: 17.30
Venue: Turf Moor
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Burnley host Liverpool in the Saturday evening clash as the away side look to continue their 100% winning start to the season. The hosts could move to within two points of the Reds with a win at Turf Moor on Saturday, so expect a tight affair between two sides who have started the season well.
After starting the season with a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Southampton, Sean Dyche’s men provided two solid performances away from home at Arsenal and Wolves. After losing narrowly to the Gunners and only missing out on all three points thanks to a late Raul Jimenez equaliser at Molineux, the Lancashire club will be going into this fixture quietly confident of upsetting the odds and picking up a positive result against the early table toppers.
After three wins from three in the league and a UEFA Super Cup added into the mix, Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with his side’s start to the season. A win here will see one of their best ever starts to a Premier League season, and the Reds will know that more of the same will be needed if they are to end their 30-year drought for a league title.
Although Liverpool have won all three of their previous encounters with Burnley, it has always been a very even match-up between the two teams. Turf Moor is never an easy place to travel to with the tight pitch, the hosts’ physicality and the home support all playing a huge part in turning Turf Moor into a tricky away day for all Premier League sides. However, in the last 18 months, Liverpool have learned how to play poorly away from home and still come away with all three points, something that could well be needed on Saturday evening.
While Burnley have every right to be confident going into the weekend, they must also be wary of this Liverpool side. The attacking threat that will face the home defence on Saturday evening is of the highest order. Furthermore, three points for the visitors this weekend will see Liverpool set an all-time club record for their longest winning streak – 13 on the bounce. Even more daunting for Burnley is that Liverpool are the most in-form side in European football, with no other team having won their last 12 games.
Burnley will have to be at their resolute best to defy Liverpool, while the visitors know that a few flashes of brilliance from their attacking trident should be enough to take home all three points.
Team News
Burnley are still without Robbie Brady and Steven Defour, while Icelandic winger Johann Gudmundsson – a scorer in this fixture two seasons ago – is unlikely to feature. Expect to see Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes try their best to upset a defence that hasn’t kept a clean sheet all season, despite possessing the newly crowned UEFA Player of the Year in Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool, on the other hand, remain without Alisson in goal as Adrian continues to deputise in his place. Nathaniel Clyne is a long-term absentee while Naby Keita will not feature due to injury. Joel Matip looks to have sewn up his starting place in the side ahead of Joe Gomez after a commanding display against Arsenal last weekend. However, don’t be surprised if Gomez comes on late in the game to combat Burnley’s aerial danger if the Merseysiders are looking to hold on for victory.
Predicted Starting XIs
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Lennon, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Wood, Barnes.
Liverpool (4-3-3): Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Henderson; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Prediction: Burnley 0-2 Liverpool
I fancy the visitors to have too much in attack for Burnley on this occasion. However, do not be surprised if Burnley do cause some serious problems for the Liverpool defence. Klopp will need his defence to be on top form to keep out both Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes.
