Prediction: Liverpool vs Burnley

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 47/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet

By the time Liverpool step onto the pitch for Saturday’s clash with Burnley at Anfield, they could be displaced from the Premier League summit, providing defending champions Manchester City beat Everton in the early kickoff slot on the same day.

The Reds’ hopes of clinching the title took a significant hit with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in their previous outing, whereas Vincent Kompany’s side staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to salvage a point against Fulham in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates Stadium last weekend resulted in a defensive nightmare, ending their 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and a 15-match run without defeat in the Premier League, which had lasted since their last visit to North London.

Despite a bizarre own goal by Gabriel Magalhaes momentarily drawing Liverpool level after Bukayo Saka’s opener, a defensive blunder between Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk gifted Gabriel Martinelli an easy goal in the second half. Leandro Trossard’s late strike compounded Liverpool’s misery, with Ibrahima Konate’s subsequent red card adding insult to injury.

Jurgen Klopp expressed his frustration, stating that “everything” went against his side during their trip to the capital. Although Liverpool still lead the Premier League standings, their advantage over Arsenal and Manchester City has been reduced to just two points. City, with a game in hand, have the opportunity to overtake Liverpool by defeating Everton in their upcoming match.

Redemption will be the focus for Liverpool at Anfield, where they have remained unbeaten in their last 23 top-flight matches. However, their recent streak of six games without a clean sheet at home provides a glimmer of hope for Burnley.

Team News

Liverpool will have to cope without center-back Ibrahima Konate due to suspension after his red card against Arsenal, and Jarell Quansah is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in his absence.

Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Thiago Alcantara were deemed fit to face Arsenal, but Dominik Szoboszlai missed out due to a thigh issue. Furthermore, Thiago suffered a setback, and it could be that the Spanish midfielder has played his last game for the club, as his contract expires at the end of the season.

It remains uncertain whether Conor Bradley will be available for selection following the passing of his father.

Stefan Bajcetic, Mohamed Salah, Kostas Tsimikas, and Joel Matip are still sidelined with various injuries. However, Wataru Endo should be back in contention after Japan’s exit from the Asian Cup.

Burnley

On the final day of the 2021/22 season, Steven Gerrard came close helping his former club land the Premier League title as the manager of Aston Villa, but being two goals up at one point, his team eventually lost the game to Manchester City. Kompany is now in a position to help his own former club by thwarting Liverpool’s efforts this term.

Burnley played and lost against Manchester City on the last day of January, and they were very close to another underwhelming result when Fulham took a two-goal lead in the first quarter of the match at Turf Moor. Luckily for the Clarets, David Datro Fofana stepped up to score twice in the last 20 minutes and win a point for his team.

On the other hand, the point won that day has done very little to improve Burnley position in the Premier League table – they’re second from the wrong end, only three points above Sheffield United at the bottom, six less than Everton in 18th, and seven less than Luton Town in 17th. It appears a desperate battle for survival is on the cards for Kompany and his men, one that they won’t be feeling confident of winning at this point.

Team News

Burnley will be without long-term absentees Luca Koleosho (knee) and Nathan Redmond (thigh), along with Jordan Beyer (muscle). However, there is optimism over the fitness of Charlie Taylor (shoulder) and Hannes Delcroix (knock), although their availability remains uncertain.

Defender Hjalmar Ekdal, who was substituted at halftime in the last match, might miss out, opening the door for Maxime Esteve to make his full debut for Burnley.

Following his impactful performance against Fulham, Fofana is expected to retain his place in Burnley’s attack, potentially leading to a decision between Lyle Foster or Zeki Amdouni to make way for him.

Conclusion

Burnley have shown resilience in previous meetings with Liverpool, especially at Turf Moor, while Liverpool will be eager to bounce back from recent setbacks and assert their dominance at Anfield.

Given Burnley’s ability to score away from home and Liverpool’s attacking prowess, it’s likely that both teams will find the back of the net in this fixture. However, Liverpool will be determined to secure a convincing victory and showcase their offensive firepower, making them the favorites to come out on top in this clash.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 47/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet