Liverpool look to get back to basics as they host goal-shy Burnley

Champions Liverpool host Burnley on Thursday in need of a victory as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, while Sean Dyche’s side  are in need of a win to widen the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

Both teams are looking for their first win in 2021. Jurgen Klopp’s men have dropped to fourth after failing to win on their last four occasions. The 7-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace was Liverpool’s last win in the Premier league which might feel a long time ago for some Liverpool fans, having followed up that result with draws against West Brom, Newcastle, Man United and defeat to Southampton.

On the other hand, Burnley come into this game having not won any of their last three games. The last win for the Clarets came at the end of December against struggling Sheffield United but have since followed up with two defeats against Manchester United and West Ham.

Liverpool’s awful form in the last few games continued on the weekend with a 0-0 goalless draw to rivals Manchester United at Anfield. The Reds looked to go top of the table but struggled to get past the Premier League leaders who have not won at Anfield since 2016.

Defensive injuries for Liverpool didn’t stop coming in to this game. Joel Matip who was out in the last game at Southampton wasn’t included in the squad, which meant for captain Jordan Henderson to cover for his replacement.

Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba had the best chances of the game but both saw their efforts denied by brilliant saves from Allison. The Reds had lot more of the possession but struggled to test the Man United goalkeeper.

Following this result, the Reds have 34 points from 18 games. However at this stage last season, Liverpool were on 55 points and had a 13 point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Photo: Spears Magazine

On the other hand, Dyche’s men are in need of a win having only won four of their last 17 league matches. The Clarets are only one point away from the relegation zone after back to back 1-0 defeats against Manchester United and West Ham.

The Clarets have lacked goals on a consistent basis this season, failing to score in their past seven away league games. Burnley’s last away goal came at Arsenal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring an own goal in the 1-0 win at the Emirates.

Another defeat to West Ham put more pressure on Burnley and Dyche. Michael Antonio who returned from injury slotted home Pablo Fornals cross past Nick Pope to give the hammers a deserved victory.

The Clarets struggled attackingly but improved as the game went on, substitute McNeill saw his cross clip the crossbar whilst, Ben Mee sent his header just wide. Ashley Barnes failed to create an effort on goal and Chris Wood’s only strike drifted wide of the post.

Burnley have only managed to score nine goals in their first 17 games of the season which is the lowest in the league. However, with Liverpool having defensive issues the Clarets will hope their style of play can cause the Reds major problems with Wood and Barnes up top.

The Lancashire side have not beaten any of the big six in their last 26 previous meetings. The last time this happened was in January 2018 against Tottenham.

Dyche’s men are yet to beat Liverpool in their last six games, having only scored once in seven previous meeting. Two of the last three occasions between both these sides have ended in a draw. The last time Burnley won at Anfield was in 1974.

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No serious injuries for both sides since their last games. The Reds will be able to welcome back Matip back into the side, having missed the last 2 games due to injury. This will allow Jordan Henderson to divert back into midfield. Diogo Jota and Naby Keita both still recovering from their injuries.

For Burnley, Baily Peacock-Farrel is out with an injury, whilst Charlie Taylor will be handed a late fitness test. Dwight McNeil will hope he can be included in the team having missed the last two games.

Which way do you think this will go?