Prediction: Burnley vs Liverpool

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

In a Premier League Boxing Day fixture at Turf Moor, Burnley are set to host Liverpool in a match between the second-best and second-worst teams in the league standings.

Vincent Kompany’s Burnley bolstered their bid for survival with an unexpected 2-0 victory over Fulham in their recent fixture. Meanwhile, Liverpool engaged in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Burnley

At Craven Cottage on Saturday, Burnley capitalized on Fulham’s inability to convert chances in the first half. Kompany’s team showcased their efficiency as Wilson Odobert scored a splendid curling goal in the 47th minute, providing a valuable lesson in finishing. The 19-year-old French talent then turned provider for Sander Berge after 19 minutes, setting up a powerful shot that beat Bernd Leno, securing Burnley’s third victory of the Premier League season.

This win on the road halted Burnley’s winless streak away from home since October 3. Notably, they had previously secured a commendable 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. The victory also saw the Clarets leapfrog Sheffield United to move up from the bottom of the table, yet they remain three points away from safety in the 19th position.

December has proven fruitful for Burnley, as they have amassed seven of their 11 Premier League points during this month. Their impressive performances include a dominant 5-0 win over Sheffield, ending a seven-game losing streak at home.

Despite these successes, Burnley faced a setback at home against Everton on December 16. Additionally, history hasn’t favored them on Boxing Day, with five out of their last seven fixtures on this day ending in defeat. Nonetheless, they aim to change this trend in the upcoming match against Everton’s rivals from Merseyside, Liverpool.

Team News

Burnley welcomed back left-back Charlie Taylor for the Fulham match, which provided a boost to their defensive lineup. However, uncertainties loom over the availability of Johann Berg Gudmundsson (unspecified), Jack Cork (calf), and Aaron Ramsey (knee), all of whom require late fitness assessments before their participation can be confirmed.

Luca Koleosho remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. Despite his absence, Wilson Odobert’s standout performance against Fulham showcased his capabilities, potentially providing adequate cover in the absence of Koleosho.

Jacob Bruun Larsen’s substitution at halftime during the Fulham game, replaced by Mike Tresor for the second half, led to a tactical alteration. Vincent Kompany might contemplate such strategic changes right from the start in the upcoming Boxing Day clash.

Liverpool

The long-awaited contest between Liverpool and Manchester United may have failed to meet expectations, but the one that followed against Arsenal provided a gripping battle at Anfield.

Gabriel Magalhaes swiftly scored the Gunners’ quickest-ever Premier League goal at Anfield in just four minutes.

Despite the visitors taking an early lead, Liverpool fought back, with Mohamed Salah contributing to the scoreline. However, Klopp’s side was left frustrated by debatable officiating decisions and their own missed opportunities. Notably, an incident involving Martin Odegaard’s handling of the ball in the box didn’t result in a penalty, and a counter-attack by Liverpool ended with Trent Alexander-Arnold hitting the crossbar when he really should’ve scored.

Klopp expressed his frustration about the decision regarding Odegaard. Statistically, a draw seemed a fair outcome as Liverpool moved back above Aston Villa into second place in the table, preventing Arsenal from extending their slim advantage at the top.

Liverpool now have an opportunity to claim the top spot if they secure three points at Turf Moor, unless Aston Villa also secure a win against Manchester United with a significant goal difference swing in their favor. The draw against Arsenal extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak in the top-flight to 11 games.

Heading into their match against Burnley, Liverpool have scored in their last 13 consecutive away Premier League games and won their last three encounters against this particular opponent.

Team News

Pushed at full speed by Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, Kostas Tsimikas crashed into Klopp on the touchline, and while his manager remained unharmed, the Greece international suffered a broken collar bone and will be out of action for a significant period of time. This injury has come as a nasty blow to Liverpool, with Tsimikas only playing because Andy Robertson is also out of contention. With two left-backs unavailable for selection, Klopp has little choice but to give the spot to centre-back Joe Gomez, who did a good job after replacing Tsimikas against Arsenal.

Midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic haven’t played this season yet, and they won’t play on Tuesday either. The same goes for Joel Matip, who will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL tear, as well as forward Diogo Jota, who is nearing a return from a muscle issue.

Conclusion

With no more room for dropping points, Liverpool will be highly motivated to book three points at Turf Moor, and it’s not very likely for Burnley to show enough quality to stop them. A convincing triumph for the visitors is therefore on the cards, and any other outcome would represent a significant upset in this match.

Verdict: Total away goals over 2.5

Best odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: 888sport