An unbeaten Anfield awaits Burnley as Liverpool look to get their Premier League title charge back on track.
In the aftermath of a challenging match against Arsenal last weekend, Liverpool face Burnley at home this Saturday at 3pm.
Liverpool’s normally reliable goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, faced huge criticism alongside Virgil Van Dijk after two costly errors that contributed to Arsenal’s 3-1 victory at The Emirates.
Despite the setback, Liverpool remain at the top of the Premier League, albeit with a reduced lead of two points, as title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City trail closely behind.
The defensive lapse against Arsenal highlighted vulnerabilities that Burnley might aim to exploit. Burnley, known for their physical play, could pose a different challenge for Liverpool’s backline.
Vincent Kompany’s side currently find themselves seven points adrift of safety heading into the weekend.
Liverpool will look to regroup and showcase their attacking prowess, with key players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez expected to play crucial roles.
The availability of players could significantly impact the game’s outcome. Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested with Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury concern and Ibrahima Konate’s suspension.
Injury concerns became worse following the defeat at The Emirates when it emerged Thiago Alcantara, who had come on against the Gunners for his first appearance since last April, has sustained a new injury.
🏥 Thiago Alcantara has sustained a hamstring injury of such a severity that he may have already played his last game for Liverpool.
[@neiljonesgoal] pic.twitter.com/an5cSGkFEo
— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) February 9, 2024
Yet, the possible return of Wataru Endo bolsters the midfield, even as Mohamed Salah’s absence is felt.
For Burnley, Davide Datro Fofana’s recent performance might earn him a spot in the starting line-up. Fofana came on as a substitute against Fulham last weekend and his late double gained a crucial point in their fight against relegation.
However, the visitor’s predicament is not any less perilous, their tally of 13 points is only higher than Sheffield United in the league, the 19th placed Clarets are also below struggling Everton and Luton Town.
A second-half comeback earns us a point at home 🤝 pic.twitter.com/fo6oobnMmq
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 3, 2024
The away side faces a difficult task, but in form Chelsea loanee Fofana may offer a glimmer of hope as Burnley aim to claw their way out of the relegation zone on Saturday.
“The Fulham game could be a stepping stone for us to do something bigger and on Saturday we know it's going be difficult, but why not go to Anfield and try to do something special." 💬
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 9, 2024
Despite the slip-up against Arsenal, Liverpool remain a formidable force at Anfield where they have yet to face defeat this season. Many eyes will be upon this game as it’s vitally important to both the title race and the relegation battle.