Liverpool F.C. vs Burnley F.C. – Match Preview

Liverpool host Burnley at Anfield on Sunday for matchday 30 of this season’s Premier League. Jürgen Klopp’s side desperately need to get three points in order to stay in the race. A win would keep the pressure on Manchester City who lead by a solitary point following Liverpool’s bore draw at neighbours Everton last week.

Overview

Burnley are currently on a poor run of form after losing their last two games. This on the back of two wins and a draw. Sean Dyche’s team are a mere five points above the relegation zone and therefore, by no means certain of Premiership football next term. No doubt Dyche will set his team up to stand firm in front of goal and perhaps pinch a goal. It’s worked before so why not?

Liverpool on the other hand need to regain their scoring touch. Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were scoring for fun earlier in the season but seem to have stuttered in recent games. Divock Origi seems to be below the level required and I struggle to see why Klopp prefers him to Daniel Sturridge who has proven goalscoring pedigree.

Nothing like a home game on Sunday! 🙌🏾 Let’s fight to get back on track, let’s go Reds! #YNWA 🔴🔴🔴 #LIVBUR pic.twitter.com/dpU06XGBy3

— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) March 8, 2019

Head to Head

Liverpool have won four of the last five meetings between the teams at Anfield. Drawing one. Histrionics would, therefore, suggest that this should be three points for Klopp’s men. However, as we know nothing is assured in the Premiership as Liverpool have often found out to their cost. Ask Tottenham who fell to a 2-1 defeat at Turfmoor at the end of February.

PreMatch Thoughts: Liverpool V Burnley Matchday 30/38

If we're going to continue our race in the title, this is a must win game. We cannot drop more points and in order to win our next games, we need Keita and/or Shaqiri to be on the pitch. Need their creativity.#YNWA #LIVBUR

— Young Liverpool Fans (@younglfcfans) March 8, 2019

Team News

The Reds will be without Joe Gomez (broken ankle), Dejan Lovren (hamstring) and James Milner (muscle injury) for today’s game. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was withdrawn from his first outing in 11 months yesterday, after apparent trouble with his thigh. I wouldn’t say this is anything serious, but I wouldn’t expect him to feature against the Clarets.

On recent evidence, Adam Lallana and Origi will likely feature, despite both performing below average in every game they’ve played in this season. Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri will no doubt warm the bench. Despite offering more in their sleep than Origi and Lallana. The mind boggles.

Burnley are without Aaron Lennon (knee) and Steven Defour (calf strain). Other than that, Dyche has a fully-fit squad from whom to choose for parking the bus.

.@JamesMilner’s fitness will be monitored ahead of Sunday's clash with @BurnleyOfficial…

More #LIVBUR team news from both camps.👇

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 9, 2019

Summary

Clearly, Liverpool would be the favourites for this game. However, given Klopp’s dubious selection policy over the last six or seven games, it’s easy to see how this could be yet another draw for the hosts. The correct choice is vital tomorrow.

The manager claimed recently that he was “Completely fine chasing Manchester City“. Should he not use the full potential of his squad tomorrow, he may well have his wish extended leading into the final stages of the season. Three points for City today, and a winless game for Liverpool tomorrow would basically put an end to Liverpool’s title hopes this season in my opinion.

Burnley must fancy their chances against a team that are struggling to find the net at the moment. Let’s face it, they only need one chance and against Liverpool, they should get one or two.

That counter!!! 👀🔴 #LIVBUR pic.twitter.com/TPo8U71jvc

— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) March 8, 2019

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