Burnley will begin their 2018 campaign, hosting Liverpool on Turf Moor on Monday as they look to end their four games winless streak in the Premier League.
The Clarets have enjoyed a fairly productive season under Sean Dyche this season, sitting pretty at seventh place in the league table but their recent four games winless streak, which has been their longest streak without a win this season, might be a worrying sight for fans.
Furthermore, they will be coming up against a Liverpool side brimming with confidence following their 2:1 win over Leicester City. The Reds fought back bravely after going behind early on in the game to snatch the victory.
Fortunately for Burnley, however, Liverpool’s attacking sensation Mohamed Salah is doubtful for the clash on Monday, which would make the job relatively easier for Sean Dyche’s men.
Here’s the predicted 4-2-3-1 Burnley lineup to feature against the Reds.
Defence
Club captain and first choice keeper Tom Heaton is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, meaning Nick Pope will once again be the man between sticks for Burnley.
Former Stoke City man Phil Bardsley is expected to make way for Matthew Lowton as right back while Charlie Taylor will be deployed as the left back.
In central defence, Burnley are not expected to make any real changes to their sturdy defensive pairing as Ben Mee and James Tarkowski will be entrusted with the responsibility to stop the attacking onslaught from the Liverpool attacking line. Both of these defenders have performed rather well in the Premier League this season and will once again be crucial as Burnley to look to keep Liverpool at bay on their home turf.
Midfield
Sean Dyche, unfortunately, won’t have many options in central midfield as he would have to go with the same lineup which started in their weekend game against Huddersfield.
Meaning the onus will be on Jack Cork and Steven Defour to stop the attacking creativity from Liverpool midfielders.
Attack
There might be a slight alteration in the attacking department for Burnley with Robbie Brady being expected to start ahead of Scott Arfield as the left-sided midfielder. Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Jeff Hendrick will partner the Republic of Ireland International just behind striker Chris Wood.
The former Leeds centre-forward will be a crucial component in the Burnley attack as they look to manipulate this weak looking Liverpool defence.
