Liverpool’s last two outings haven’t been very kind for them, for they were humiliated by Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s men secured a thumping 5-0 over them at the Etihad Stadium last weekend and it was followed by a 2-2 draw against Sevilla during their midweek fixture at the Anfield in what was their first group game of this season’s Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will be keen to get back to their winning ways again on Saturday, as they host Burnley at their own backyard. The Clarets have had a decent start to their league campaign in the English top division, as they have accumulated seven points from their first four league outings.
Last weekend, Sean Dyche’s troops registered a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace and it goes without saying that Burnley would be a tough side to beat. Dyche has a fairly limited squad and what has been intriguing to see is the manner in which he has been able to derive the most out of the resources he has at his disposal.
Team News
Tom Heaton is set to be sidelined for a considerable span of time after he dislocated his shoulder against the Eagles and eventually underwent a successful surgery. Nahki Wells and Dean Marney would still be absent, although midfielder Jeff Hendrick is available again for selection after recovering from a thigh strain.
As far as Liverpool are concerned, Sadio Mane is set to commence his three-match ban, with Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana being long-term absentees. Danny Ings is also not likely to feature owing to his new injury which he sustained whilst plying his trade against Manchester City U23s last week.
Key Battles
Chris Wood has started his life at Burnley in a pretty appealing fashion, as the former Leeds United’s predator has already smashed two league goals in as many appearances for his new employers and he will put his attacking prowess out against Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.
Phillipe Coutinho is seemingly likely to be put in the starting line-up by Klopp and he will be raring to get back in the scheme of things once again. Matthew Lowton should be handed the responsibility of keeping the Brazilian quite. Further, a lot would depend on how Jack Cork manages to shield the backline of his side against the penetrations of Jordan Henderson and company.
Predicted Line-ups
Liverpool: Mignolet; Robertson, Lovren, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Coutinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Sturridge, Firmino, Salah.
Burnley: Pope; Ward, Mee, Tarkowski, Lowton; Arfield, Brady, Defour, Cork, Gudmundsson; Wood.
Predicted Result
Liverpool 3-1 Burnley
Odds:
Liverpool: 2/7
Draw: 5/1
Burnley: 12/1
