Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing week of results when Sean Dyche’s Burnley side take the relatively short trip across the north west to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
After their humiliation at the hands of Manchester City last weekend and their late set-back at the hands of Sevilla in their Champions League opener, Jurgen Klopp will now want an instant response.
However, there is no guarantee as Burnley will arrive on Merseyside in good form, taking points from champions Chelsea and their title-chasing rivals Tottenham already this season away from home.
Recent Form
After a last-gasp set-back against Watford on the opening day of the season it appeared that Liverpool were hitting top stride, seeing off Crystal Palace before their 4-0 demolition of Arsenal.
Burnley have had an equally eventful start to Premier League life this season, shocking the reigning champions Chelsea on the opening day in a 3-2 win before earning a late, late draw with Tottenham.
Narrow defeat against West Brom has been the only blot on their copybook so far and, following their win over Crystal Palace last weekend, the Clarets are currently sitting pretty down in seventh.
Team News
With Liverpool’s appeal to reduce Sadio Mane’s three-match ban rejected, it paves the way for Philippe Coutinho to make his Premier League return after coming off the bench during the week.
Simon Mignolet is likely to re-take his place between the sticks, whilst deadline day signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be given his much-desired spot in central midfield as boss Klopp rotates his side.
The only fresh injury concern as far as Burnley are concerned is with goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who looks likely to miss at least a month of action following a shoulder injury sustained in last week’s win.
This means that young prodigy Nick Pope is expected to pick up from where he left off against Crystal Palace and shape up between the sticks, putting in a fine individual display on that occasion.
Fortunately for the German, his side has the perfect chance to secure three points in front of a home crowd at Anfield, and he’ll ensure that his side go out knowing nothing less than a win will do.
Burnley certainly won’t be easy to break down, such is the discipline instilled in them by manager Sean Dyche, but Liverpool’s wealth and depth of attacking options should eventually make the breakthrough.