Match Preview – Burnley vs Liverpool | Premier League Team News & Analysis

League leaders Liverpool travel to Burnley on Sunday, hoping to maintain their 100% record, whilst Burnley will be looking to carry on their positive start to the season. Burnley won at Anfield in the 20/21 season courtesy of an Ashley Barnes goal, but Liverpool’s star-studded attack will be looking forward to this fixture.

Liverpool team news:

Arne Slot could name an unchanged side for the match against Burnley as players return from injury and the international break. Dominik Szoboszlai had a man-of-the-match display against Arsenal when he played at right-back and could be used in the same position. Natural right-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have both returned to training but may not be ready to start the game.

All eyes will be on Alexander Isak going into this fixture after his record-breaking move from Newcastle to Merseyside. Although Isak was called up for Sweden over the international break, the striker only played 20 minutes for his national side. Isak also did not play in pre-season, so he will likely have to wait a little bit longer for his first start in red.

Liverpool’s only injury concern is Curtis Jones, who has been ruled out, but Arne Slot might have one eye on their first Champions League game as Liverpool host Atletico Madrid. Changes could come early in the second half if Liverpool are in a comfortable position.

Burnley team news:

Burnley have a host of players who may struggle to be available for the match.

New signing Armando Broja started in the Carabao Cup against Derby before the international break but did not feature against Manchester United. Defender Hjalmar Ekdal picked up an injury playing for Sweden. Bashir Humphreys and Conor Roberts are both in contention to be involved but are still working their way back to full fitness.

Recent goalscorers Jaidon Anthony and Lyle Foster look set to start again, whilst in defence, Joe Worrall could take the place of Ekdal. Alongside Worrall, Kyle Walker and Maxime Esteve will be looking to stop Mohamed Salah and co.

Burnley manager Scott Parker will be encouraged by his team’s start to the season, after an impressive win against Sunderland and a last-gasp loss against Manchester United. Burnley came from behind twice at Old Trafford, showing their attacking ability.

Liverpool have won all three of their league games so far; however, questions have been raised about their defence. Milos Kerkez did not have his best display against Bournemouth but was much better against Arsenal. Ibrahima Konate has also shown signs of complacency in the opening games.

Liverpool conceded two in their opening fixture and another two against a ten-man Newcastle, so Burnley can take this as encouragement that Liverpool can be vulnerable. On the contrary, Liverpool are the top scorers in the league with eight goals in just three games.

With Alexander Isak potentially available to make his debut off the bench, Liverpool’s attack should remain the same with Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah all in line to start. All three have already scored this season.

Florian Wirtz could also be looking at this fixture as a chance to open his Liverpool account after only scoring in pre-season.

Liverpool will want to maintain the gap over their rivals and then quickly turn their focus to the Champions League, so they could come out firing in the first half. Burnley are expected to be under a lot of pressure throughout the match, but if the home side can score the first goal, it could be a long afternoon for Liverpool.