Premier League: Liverpool Will Do a Job on Burnley

Liverpool vs Burnley

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will aim to get their title challenge back on track this Saturday when Vincent Kompany’s Burnley head to Anfield in a huge game for both clubs.

Premier League: Liverpool vs Burnley is a clash between two teams desperate for a win but, of course, for very different reasons. The Reds are still at the top of the table but, after losing 3-1 to Arsenal last week they have seen their lead cut to two points, and favourites Manchester City also have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Burnley, who drew 2-2 with Fulham last weekend, are sitting in 19^th and seven points from safety.

It’s a must-win for both teams, but the Premier League 2024 betting odds say the hosts should do the business.        

Talking Points

Reds aim to give their fans a boost

At SBOTOP odds of 3.25 for the title, Klopp’s Liverpool are still the most likely team to challenge Manchester City, and they will expect to keep the pressure up when they return to Merseyside to play in front of their own fans.

And Anfield is set to see a new record attendance following the completion of a stand redevelopment, which will see the capacity increase to 60,000.

It was a bad day at the office for Liverpool in North London, particularly for their defence and the Reds will be determined to make amends in front of their fans. But, while some key players have recently returned, or are set to make a return, there are more selection concerns for Klopp.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate was red-carded at the Emirates, and Jarrell Quansah is expected to deputise. And midfield ace Dominik Szoboszlai has picked up a hamstring injury, which could keep him out for a few weeks. Striker Mo Salah is stepping up his training, but he is unlikely to make the Saturday date with Burnley.

On the plus side, Japan star Wataru Endo is back from the Asian Cup, and influential wingback Andy Robertson made a successful return against the Gunners. The Scot is a crucial player for Liverpool in attack and defence and the Reds fans will give him a rapturous welcome at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Time running out for the Burnley ‘project’

When Burnley were promoted to the Premier League, probably a season earlier than the club’s owners expected, it looked like the new look Clarets were on an upward trajectory.

But, instead of giving the players who fired the club to 100 points in the Championship a chance, the likes of keeper Aro Muric and winger Annas Zaroury, Kompany went back into the market and spent near £100 million on more young, exciting players who will invariably increase in value.

Players like Luca Koleosho, now injured, and Wilson Odobert have earned rave reviews, but, all too often, the young Clarets have looked hopelessly unready for the toughest league in the world.

Such a big overhaul of players will always take time to bed in, and after earning four points from the opening 13 league games, they have picked up nine in the last ten. But if they are to avoid a speedy return to the second tier, the Clarets probably need to collect upwards of 20 points from the last 15 games.

Yes, there is improvement, and Burnley have home games against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Bournemouth to come, but time is running out.

Kompany has dipped into the market again in January and has added pace and strength at both ends of the pitch.

David Fofana, with two goals and an assist in his opening two games, has made an explosive start and, alongside Lyle Foster, can form a dangerous front two, while centre back Maxime Esteve impressed in his 45 minute appearance against Fulham, as the Clarets came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point.     

History

The Reds have bossed this relationship in the Premier League era with 13 wins to Burnley’s three and there have been two draws. Liverpool have won each of the last four meetings, including a 2-0 triumph at Turf Moor in December.

But the Clarets did win at Anfield in 2021 to end a 68 unbeaten home run for the Reds as Ashley Barnes scored a late winner.    

In terms of very recent form the Reds are much stronger with four wins from six, while Burnley have mustered just two draws from their last six games.   

Betting Tip

Liverpool look nailed on to win this North West clash at odds of 1.16, with the draw at 6.37 and a Burnley win at 9.64.

The Premier League 2024 highlights of Liverpool vs Burnley could well be a case of attack versus defence for much of the game. But the Clarets visited Manchester City last week and came away from the Etihad Stadium with a 3-1 defeat.

Kompany’s young players are learning, and I believe that, while they are unlikely to pick up any points, they should avoid a serious whacking at Anfield.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.