Liverpool vs Burnley Preview: Reds Seek Convincing Anfield Win to Strengthen Top-Four Push

Liverpool return to Premier League duty on Saturday with a 15:00 kick-off against Burnley at Anfield, as Arne Slot’s side look to secure a convincing win and bring an end to a run of statements in the league.

The reigning champions are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions but have drawn their last three Premier League fixtures, leaving them clinging to fourth place in a tightly packed race for Champions League qualification. Draws against Leeds United and Fulham were viewed as missed opportunities, although Liverpool’s point away at Arsenal last time out carried greater weight given the Gunners’ status as title leaders. With Brentford just two points behind and both Newcastle United and Manchester United close enough to apply pressure, the margin for error remains slim.

Anfield has historically been a favourable venue for Liverpool in this fixture. The Reds have lost just once in nine home Premier League meetings with Burnley, winning six and drawing two. That lone defeat came during the 2020/21 season, the only previous campaign in which Liverpool faced Burnley as reigning champions.

From a tactical perspective, this fixture points towards a familiar pattern. Liverpool have spent a league-high 25% of their time this season building up against low blocks, while Burnley spend 22% of their defensive phases in a low block during opposition build-up the third-highest proportion in the Premier League. That combination suggests Liverpool will once again be tasked with probing patiently against a deep and compact defensive structure.

Burnley arrive on Merseyside still without a league win since October, having failed to secure victory in their last 12 Premier League matches. Their last longer winless run in the top flight dates back to 1970, when they went 14 games without a victory with the 13th match in that sequence a 2–0 defeat away to Liverpool. Away form has been a major contributor to their struggles this season, with eight defeats from 10 league matches on the road, their only win coming at Wolves earlier in the campaign.

There have, however, been small signs of resistance. Burnley have drawn three of their last five league matches following a run of seven consecutive defeats, while six of their last 11 league goals have arrived from the 85th minute onwards. They have also scored the opening goal on four of their last seven visits to Anfield, serving as a reminder that Liverpool cannot afford complacency. A 5–1 FA Cup victory over Millwall in midweek will have lifted morale, even if league form remains the overriding concern.

Team News

Liverpool remain without Mohamed Salah, who is still on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, with a third-place play-off against Nigeria scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining significant knee damage involving both bone and ligament. Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo also remain sidelined.

There was a boost in the FA Cup meeting against Barnsley, as Hugo Ekitike marked his return from injury with a goal and an assist from the bench.

Burnley travel with a lengthy injury list of their own. Mike Trésor, Zian Flemming, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts and Josh Cullen are all unavailable, while Joe Worrall will require a late fitness test.

Lyle Foster missed the FA Cup win over Millwall through illness but is expected to be fit enough to make the trip.

With Liverpool seeking to reassert control in the top-four race and Burnley fighting to halt a damaging run of league results, Saturday’s meeting shapes up as a test of patience and persistence. The statistics point firmly towards sustained Liverpool pressure, but Burnley’s recent habit of remaining competitive deep into matches suggests the outcome may hinge on how efficiently the hosts convert dominance into goals.