Liverpool vs Burnley
Date: 21/08/2021
K/O: 12:30
Venue: Anfield
The Reds host The Clarets as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to build on their opening day victory in front of a fully packed Anfield.
Last time out Liverpool were victorious on their travels, beating newly promoted Norwich 3-0 in a comfortable win. Jota scored the opener for The Reds after only 26 minutes, before two second-half goals from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah made it 3-0 to Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah’s goal made him the first player in Premier League history to score on the opening day of the season five years in a row.
Burnley were less successful on the opening day of the season, as they lost 2-1 to the Seagulls. The Clarets came flying out the blocks as James Tarkowski fired the home side in front after only two minutes. Burnley failed to hold on and conceded two quickfire goals from Neal Maupay and Alexis Mcallister in the 73rd and 78th minutes.
A fresh season for Liverpool means a new set of objectives, and one of those will be pursuing the league title. Manchester City, who are the favourites to win the title, lost 1-0 to Spurs last weekend. This loss may not mean much early on, but Spurs proved this Manchester City side are beatable and the loss will certainly play in their minds for the coming games.
Burnely have been tipped as potential favourites to be relegated this season. In the last campaign, the Clarets were only one place above the relegation zone but finished with a comfortable 11 point advantage on 18th place. This title is not an inspiring label for the season, but out of all the teams that remained in the league last season, Burnley scored the least amount of goals – so it could be another long season.
Last time these two sides met at Anfield, it was a historic result – but in Burnley favour.
Liverpool’s outstanding 68-game home unbeaten streak ended when Burnley last came to visit. The Clarets came and conquered Anfield, coming away as 1-0 victors. Ashley Barnes was the hero, scoring from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute. Burnley sat back for the majority of the game but capitalised on The Red’s lacklustre defending and resulting in a penalty. Jurgen Klopp’s men are surely eying revenge this Saturday.
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool came away injury-free from last weeks game. Andrew Robertson continues to be Liverpool’s only injury as the fullback is out with an ankle injury. Roberston is expected back in early September.
Elsewhere Henderson, Thiago and Curtis Jones return to training this week and could be included in the squad for Saturday.
Burnley
The Clarets also came away injury-free last week. Kevin Long remains unavailable with an Achilles injury, whist Dale Stephens has an ongoing ankle injury ruling him out as well.
Predicted Starting XIs
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Keita, Fabinho, Milner; Mane, Jota, Salah
Burnley (4-4-1-1): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Cork, Mcneil; Brownhill; Wood
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Burnley
Liverpool are finally back in front of their beloved fans and back inside the cauldron that is Anfield. I expect the atmosphere to be electric and I expect the home side to put on a show for the fans. After Burnley’s disappointing opening game and Liverpool’s explosive performance, I think there will be goals. I can’t see a repeat of what happened the last time they met in Merseyside.
