Burnley vs Liverpool match preview

Super Sunday kicks off at Turf Moor, where newly promoted Burnley welcome defending champions Liverpool at 2PM BST. Scott Parker’s side have endured a difficult return to the Premier League, while for Liverpool, it’s been a dream start to Arne Slot’s second season at the helm, as the Reds sit pretty at the top of the table after the opening three games.
Team form
Burnley’s introduction back to top-flight football hasn’t been easy in the early stages. They opened the season with a testing trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where Thomas Frank’s side recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory.
A 2-0 home win over fellow promoted side Sunderland provided a welcome lift and a crucial three points, but they then left Old Trafford empty-handed after appearing to earn a point against Manchester United.
Burnley battled bravely against the Red Devils, and the game looked set to end 2-2 until a controversial Bruno Fernandes penalty in the 97th minute turned the fixture on its head. With three points from three games, Parker knows his team must tighten up at the back to stand a chance against Liverpool’s relentless attack.
Meanwhile, Liverpool sit top of the table with maximum points, though that only tells part of the story. The Reds’ defence began with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, but they almost let a 2-0 lead slip before late goals spared their blushes.
At St. James’ Park, Newcastle fought back from two goals down only for teenager Rio Ngumoha to grab a dramatic winner in the 10th minute of stoppage time. Then, the clash with Arsenal required a moment of magic from Dominik Szoboszlai, whose stunning free-kick secured a 1-0 win against the Gunners.
Head-to-head
Liverpool’s record against Burnley in recent years has been flawless. The Reds have won each of the last five meetings, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one in the process. Turf Moor has also been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool, with the champions scoring six unanswered goals across their last three visits. Everything seems to point to a comfortable away win.
Team news
The big talking point will be the possible debut for Alexander Isak, who finally joined Liverpool from Newcastle for a record-breaking £130 million on deadline day. The Swedish striker is short of match fitness but could at least feature from the bench.
Jeremie Frimpong, another summer signing, could return from injury after missing the last couple of games, while Conor Bradley is available, having come through the international break unscathed with Northern Ireland after battling a hamstring injury in the early stages.
For the hosts, there is some positive news as Connor Roberts could make his first appearance of the season following a knock. Jordan Beyer is also in contention to return, providing Parker with much-needed defensive reinforcements ahead of facing the league’s most dangerous attack.
Key Stats
Hugo Ekitike has made an immediate impact for Liverpool, contributing two goals and an assist in three games.
Cody Gakpo has also been heavily involved from the flank, with one goal and two assists already this season.
Jaidon Anthony is Burnley’s main danger man, scoring twice and assisting once across his last two outings.
Prediction
While Turf Moor can be a notoriously difficult venue to visit, it’s unlikely to provide Burnley with a fortress against the Premier League champions. Liverpool’s recent dominance here, combined with their fantastic start to the season, makes them heavy favourites. With Isak providing further attacking firepower and Slot’s side already scoring eight goals in their opening three games, it could be another long afternoon for Parker and his team.