Anfield hosts a crucial game on Thursday night as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool look to secure their first Premier League win in five attempts against a struggling Burnley side.
The hosts last won a league game when they beat Crystal Palace 7-0 last month, but drew three and lost one, scoring just once in the process. The Reds have failed to score in the last three games, with their famous offensive trident currently missing.
Liverpool’s form dropped them to fourth place in the table and hurt their hopes of retaining the Premier League title, with most of the teams around them having achieved good form in recent times.
Sean Dyche’s men are also fighting for form. The Clarets have also only found the net once in their last four games – although that goal was a victory. However, they’ve been poor in front of goal all season, having the unwanted league top scorer title so far with just nine goals in 17 games.
When does it take place? Thursday January 21
What time is the kick-off? 8:00 p.m. (GMT)
Where is it played? Anfield
TV channel / live broadcast? Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League (UK), fuboTV (US)
Arbitrator? Mike Dean
Diogo Jota is still out of action due to injury, meaning Liverpool’s top three will have another chance to end their drought in front of goal.
Liverpool have now gone 348 minutes without scoring in the Premier League?
Mo Salah failed to score in one of his last four Premier League games for Liverpool, the current drought lasts 365 minutes? pic.twitter.com/LfnLwLwpJw
– Objective Africa (@GoalAfrica) January 18, 2021
Joel Matip was not deemed fit enough to start against Manchester United on Sunday, but could be brought back into the starting XI to allow Jordan Henderson more influence over the proceedings.
For the visitors, the starting lineup should look like their last game against West Ham. Charlie Taylor is back in shape and could return to the XI, although a late fitness test will determine if that can happen.
Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil, who hasn’t started a football game for nearly a month, could return to bring some creativity to the flank.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Thiago, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Burnley: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Brady, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Barnes, wood.
Liverpool
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester United (17/1)
Aston Villa 1-4 Liverpool (8/1)
Southampton 1-0 Liverpool (4/1)
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool (12/30)
Liverpool 1-1 West Brom (27/12)
Burnley
West Ham 1-0 Burnley (16/1)
Burnley 0-1 Manchester United (12/1)
Burnley 1-1 MK Dons (Burnley wins 4-3 on penalties) (9/1)
Burnley 1-0 Sheffield United (29/12)
Leeds 1-0 Burnley (27/12)
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Then we’re back at Anfield against @BurnleyOfficial ?? #LIVBUR pic.twitter.com/Of4WNeL9qR
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 20, 2021
Liverpool will likely control possession on Thursday night, but they struggled to create and complete chances, so finding that key pass against the stereotypically rigid, organized and frustrating Burnley defense could prove difficult.
However, with Matip back on the side, Henderson will move to midfield while Thiago will seek to control the proceedings. With Henderson at his side, the Spaniard could be granted a slightly more offensive license on Thursday.
Liverpool must win and need it. They may just have too much for their visitors this time around.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Burnley