Liverpool vs Burnley Match Preview
Vinolin Naidoo takes a look ahead to Liverpool’s upcoming Prwmier League match against Burnley at Anfield. The Reds certainly have some catching up to do after recent results.
Match Preview
Liverpool come into this encounter desperate forthree points. The Reds season has somewhat come off the rails a bit. The Reds’s past two results were a 5-0 loss and a 2-2 draw against Manchester City and Sevilla respectively. The major problem and worry is the fragile defense of the side.
Conceding seven goals in two games is quite atrocious, not least for tomorrow’s hosts. Burnley are a side that Liverpool typically struggles with facing. Manager Sean Dyche, always has his players well drilled and ready for action.
Liverpool fans and players can expect a frustrating Saturday afternoon and will need to be patient. The visitors on their travels so far this season have picked up a 3-2 win against Chelsea and a 1-1 draw against Spurs. Unlike Liverpool who have had to play a midweek match, the Clarets come into this encounter fairly fresh and will be looking to continue their impressive form.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Burnley (12 March 2017)
Our last Premier League meeting at Anfield resulted in a 2-1 win for the Reds. Goals from Georgino Wijnaldum and Emre Can ensured Liverpool took all three points. It was a hard-fought win for Liverpool as they had to come from a goal down.
Liverpool struggle to against teams that proverbially ‘park the bus’ so the critics will be watching this game very closely. Last season was a perfect example of our struggles. The Clarets beat us 2-0 at Turf Moor even though we had over 80% of possession on the day.
Team and Injury News
After the midweek Champions League tie, Jurgen Klopp may be looking to rotate his squad for this encounter. Trent Alexandor-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, James Milner and Daniel Sturridge are all in contention to start against Burnley. Liverpool however, will be without Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne due to injuries. Sadio Mane begins his three-match suspension after his red card against the Citizens.
Manager Sean Dyche will most probably start his two giants up front, in the form of Sam Vokes and Chris Wood. Liverpool can expect plenty of set-pieces and crosses. At the back, Burnley are quite solid as well, however, they will be without their star goalie Tom Heaton.
Predicted Lineup
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Robertson, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Firmino, Salah
BUR (4-4-2): Pope, Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Ward, Gudmundsson, Cork, Defour, Brady, Vokes, Wood
Prediction
Liverpool 2 – 1 Burnley – This game looks like being a frustrating encounter for the Reds. Burnley will sit back and let Liverpool have the ball and make all the plays.
I’d expect Liverpool to eventually break the deadlock and then the inevitable will occur and we will concede a simple set-piece goal. However, I believe the Reds will have enough firepower to score a winner late on and take home all three points on Saturday afternoon.
Follow Vinolin on Twitter: @vinolin_naidoo