Prediction: Liverpool vs Burnley

Verdict: Liverpool and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Liverpool play host to Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The Reds will be hoping to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Manchester City last weekend.

Liverpool

It’s been a frustrating week for Liverpool after a 5-0 trouncing to Manchester City was followed by a disappointing draw at home to Sevilla in the Champions League. The Reds were unlucky they had Sadio Mane sent off against City which contributed to their loss, but they really should have done better against their Spanish opposition considering how many chances the created. Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently eighth in the table after two wins, but their defensive frailties are, yet again, in question after shipping 13 goals in seven matches in all competitions. Liverpool now face a confident Burnley side on Saturday, without the help of Mane, but they do have the luxury to include Philippe Coutinho after making an appearance on the bench in midweek. Another advantage will be the fact they are playing at Anfield. Both of their victories this season have come at home against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, and they have yet to concede a goal. The pressure will be on the home side to perform and get the result but it may not be that easy.

Team News

Mane is unavailable after he starts his three-match ban.

Coutinho will probably make it into the starting line-up after appearing on the bench against Sevilla.

Meanwhile full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson could come in.

Burnley

It’s been a great start to the season for Burnley and they currently sit seventh in the table after picking up points away to Chelsea and Tottenham already. It’s a far cry from last campaigns dreaded record on the road where they didn’t record a victory until they played Crystal Palace in April. However, Sean Dyche’s men will be full of confidence and they will head into the fixture on Saturday much fresher than their opponents. It’s been a decent start to his Burnley career for striker Chris Wood, who netted the winner against Palace last week, and he will be hoping his goals can be the reason his team manage to avoid relegation for another year. Having been brought in to replace Andre Gray, he has wasted no time in repaying some of his £15 million transfer fee by scoring two in the league already. However, it’s always a tough task at Anfield, and the Clarets have lost their last four outings against Liverpool in all competitions.

Team News

Nick Pope will start in goal after a shoulder injury to Tom Heaton.

Jeff Hendrick may enter the frame after training on Thursday but Dean Marney is still out for the long-term.

Key Factors to Consider

• Burnley have lost on their last nine visits to Anfield
• The Clarets last beat Liverpool away in 1974
• A clean sheet has been kept in nine of the last 10 meetings between the two clubs
• Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in four successive home games
• The Reds have won just five of the 12 matches that Sane hasn’t started since August 2016

Conclusion

Even though Burnley have picked up some decent results away this season, Liverpool may prove too strong for them on this occasion. The Reds will be buoyed by Coutinho’s return and they will be eager to maintain their 100% home record.

Verdict: Liverpool and under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet 365