Liverpool return to domestic action on the back of a tough draw in the Champions League during midweek, a game that they should have won. A combination of missed chances and defensive mistakes left them drawing their opening Champions League game 2-2 with Sevilla and after that I am expecting to see a response from them this weekend. When you add that to the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, I think it’s important that Liverpool win this game comfortably.
That could be bad news for Burnley, who head to Anfield on Saturday afternoon for what could be a very tough 90 minutes. They have started well though, and picked up another win last weekend so while this game will be tough for them, they are not short of confidence in the camp.
Liverpool v Burnley
Premier League – Anfield, Liverpool – Saturday, September 16th, 2017, 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 57/10 at Ladbrokes |
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Liverpool
BurnleyLiverpool Form
Liverpool are currently 8th in the Premier League, they have shown signs of huge promise, but also shown us that they still have defensive problems. Those problems were evident on the opening day of the season, when they conceded three at Watford, and we saw them again last weekend at Manchester City and during midweek against Sevilla. They are crying out for a new centre half and I am amazed they didn’t buy one this summer.
Looking at the positives for Liverpool and going forward they have really impressed me so far. The front three of Firmino, Sane and Salah have been very impressive, they have quickly found a connection and they are going to be fun to watch, whilst creating a lot of chances.
I hope we see Liverpool really attack and pile pressure onto Burnley in this one, and if we do then it doesn’t matter if they have defensive problems because they are going to score plenty of goals.
Burnley Form
Burnley are again looking to survive in the Premier League for the second year running and although these games are not the ones they need to win, performing well will keep confidence high in the camp. They picked up a bonus three points away at Chelsea on the opening day and it is away from home where they need to improve this season to make life easier for them. Last season they had a fantastic home record, one of the best in the league and I can’t see that happening again, so they need to pick more points up away to give them a chance of survival.
A 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend wasn’t pretty, but they got the job done and that is going to happen a lot this season I think. I’m never going to be rushing to compliment Burnley on their style of play, but they do find a way to grind out points and it is that mentality that will potentially keep them up this season.
Team News
I think we may see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain make his full debut for Liverpool this weekend, with Jurgen Klopp resting a couple of players after the European game. He wants to impress and will be determined to show his old club Arsenal just what they are missing out on. I like him, he will add even more pace to this Liverpool team and for someone who is going to come on from the bench a lot, or play when players are rested, he is a quality addition.
We saw Chris Wood score his first Burnley goal last weekend and his goals are going to be key to helping them survive. He is a big, mobile centre forward, built for the Premier League and if he gets a chance in this one, he has to take it because I don’t think Burnley will get many.
Top Betting Tips
All eyes will be on Liverpool as they look to bounce back from two poor results and I think that is exactly what they will do in this one. I can see them winning this game comfortably and showing their offensive power once more. Liverpool -2 on the handicap is 2/1 with Paddy Power and Stan James and I think that is a great price, which means Liverpool have to win by three or more for the bet to win.
I can see the Burnley defence having a tough time against this strong Liverpool forward line, that will cause them huge problems with their pace and skill. I am backing Liverpool to score a lot of goals in this one, and to cover the -2 handicap line.