Liverpool vs Burnley
Date: 10/03/2019
KO: 12.00
Venue: Anfield
TV: BT Sport
Referee: Andre Marriner
Liverpool will look to regain their lead at the top of the Premier League as they welcome Burnley to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds’ recent stalemate with Everton saw them knocked off the top spot for the first time since November. They are only one point behind Manchester City but need to regain their early season form if they want to win a first Premier League trophy.
Klopp’s team have registered four draws in their last six league games. Two of these have been against arch-rivals Everton and Manchester United. Whilst this could be used to justify the result, Liverpool need to be winning games against all teams if they wish to lift the Premier League.
After his team’s 3-1 victory at Turf Moor back in December, Klopp lambasted Burnley’s physical tactics which left Joe Gomez with a fractured leg.
Both managers have come out and talked down any notion of a feud, but you can be sure that Dyche will set his team up in a similar way on Sunday.
Burnley have the potential to get themselves into a slump if they lose here. After a fine run of form which saw them go eight games unbeaten, they have now lost their last two against Newcastle and Crystal Palace.
They are five points ahead of the relegation zone and assuming that Huddersfield and Fulham are already down, then they should be set for survival this season.
Team News
Dejan Lovren could be back in the Liverpool squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against Wolves on January 7th.
Joe Gomez could also be in line to make his return. According to Klopp, he is taking part in full training but like Lovren it is more likely that he will only reappear after the international break.
James Milner has picked up a minor muscle issue which will most likely rule him out of this match.
Sean Dyche confirmed that Steven Defour will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his calm.
Aaron Lennon is still struggling with a knee injury whilst Jonathon Walters remains a long-term absentee.
Predicted Starting XIs
Liverpool (4-3-3): Allison; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Burnley (4-4-2): Heaton; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Wood, Barnes.
Prediction: Liverpool 3 Burnley 0
Sorry, Burnley fans. Liverpool need to lay down a marker here and there may be a drubbing on the cards. The league is slowly starting to wrap up and if Liverpool want to get their hands on that elusive Premier League title then they need to get their old form back; this may be the perfect opportunity to do just that.
