Burnley are up against the history pages as they welcome Liverpool to the Turf Moor Stadium. Sean Dyche’s troops are coming off a defeat on the opening day against Swansea City. And their chances of registering their first points look bleak in the second week as well. Burnley had a summer of unrest with the players getting discontent at the lack of transfer activity and the urgency shown by their competitors raised questioned about the club’s ambitions. But the signing of Belgian International Steven Defour has raised the spirits around the club a little. Burnley frustrated Swansea for most of the match and it looked like the match was headed for a draw. But Leroy Fer had other ideas as he was on hand to tap the ball in the 82nd minute thus frustrating the home team.
However, they will be up against a tall order when Liverpool, led by the enigmatic Jurgen Klopp come calling. Liverpool are full of goals and they come to a stadium which is in dire need of balls being put into the back of the net. Burnley have scored just 2 goals out of 7 in their last 9 matches while in contrast Liverpool’s last 9 away games have resulted in 41 goals! Burnley have never scored a Premier League against Liverpool and have lost all 4 encounters between the two teams.
DEFENCE
Tom Heaton will be the goalkeeper and he will come prepared to do a lot of diving and shot-stopping in the weekend. Matthew Lowton will be at right-back and highly rated youngster Michael Keane will partner Ben Mee in the centre of the defence. Stephen Ward will line-up on the left-hand side and he will be praying that Sadio Mane fails to recover in time for the match. Jon Flanagan, who is on loan from Liverpool is ineligible for the match.
MIDFIELD
Steven Defour is a contender to start if his move from Anderlecht goes through in time, with David Jones – linked with a switch to Sheffield Wednesday – may drop to the bench for this match. Dean Marney will be the probable partner of one of those two. Johan Berg Gudmundsson will be in contention to start having come off the bench and this will, in turn, render George Boyd’s place in the team doubtful. Scott Arfield will line-up on the opposite flank.
ATTACK
Sam Vokes and Andre Gray will be tasked with causing problems to the shaky Liverpool defence.
