On paper, this may seem like an easy game for the Reds. A home game against a team that finished 16th in the Premier League last season, who just lost their starting keeper, Tom Heaton, sounds like a goal-fest. Looking more inspectively at our opponent for the weekend, this game may be more challenging than most would envision. This is a team that won at Stamford Bridge against the reigning PL champions on the opening day and also drew at Wembley against Spurs. Those results should not be taken lightly. Burnely also stunned Liverpool early last season to dampen their electrifying start to the season. In that game, Liverpool had 80% of the ball, but fell 2-0.
In both away games against Spurs and Chelsea this season, Burnley sat back, absorbed the pressure, and sprung into well-timed attacks to stun the favorites. Liverpool has historically done poorly against teams that park the bus, yet still carry the danger of countering at any moment. The physical, forward pair of Vokes and Woods could potentially cause problems for Liverpool's lackluster defense and Defour will be pulling the strings in midfield to set up chances for them. They will look to take advantage of set pieces and crosses as well with Mee and Tarkowski proving to be formidable in the air. Their deputy keeper, Pope, also looked solid in the last match against Crystal Palace, and looks more than capable of dealing with the Anfield atmosphere.
For Liverpool, I expect some rotation from their clash against Sevilla three days ago. I expect Trent A-A to fill in for Gomez as he provides a greater offensive threat than Gomez and has great set piece delivery. Moreno could also be replaced for Robertson as he looked solid in his debut. The big news comes in midfield, as Phillipe Coutinho is expected to make his first start of the PL season. As I mentioned in my postmatch analysis Coutinho did look a bit rusty and lost possession a couple of times. But in a game such as this where the opponent is anticipated to sit deep, his magic will definitely be needed to unlock their defense. Up front, Firmino could make way for Sturridge's first start of the PL season. If so, I am excited to see how he links up with England teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both will be hungry for goals.
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
Liverpool
------------------------------ Mignolet
Alexander-Arnold ---- Matip ---- Lovren ---- Robertson
------------------------------ Henderson
---------------- Wijnaldum ----------- Coutinho
Salah -------------------- Sturridge -------------Oxlade-Chamberlain
Burnley
------------------------------ Pope
Lowton ---------- Tarkowski ----------- Mee ---------- Ward
Gudmundsson --------- Cork ---------- Defour ------- Brady
------------------- Vokes --------------------- Wood
PREDICTION:
This has the potential to be an extremely frustrating game for Liverpool, but despite that and rotation from their midweek clash, I expect Liverpool to come out victorious. 3-1 to the Redmen with Sturridge and Coutinho getting in on the action.
I will post a live stream tomorrow as well!
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