Liverpool vs. Burnley: Key Facts for Anticipated Match with Record Crowd!
Liverpool is facing a crucial match against Burnley this weekend, knowing that only a win will keep their Premier League title hopes alive. After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal last Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s men are eager to bounce back and regain their winning form. The match, set to take place at Anfield on February 10, 2024, at 3pm (GMT), is anticipated to draw a record crowd.
1. A record Anfield crowd!
As the expansion work on the Anfield Road End nears completion, Liverpool will be playing in front of their largest-ever home crowd since all-seater stadia were introduced. Liverpool City Council has confirmed that an additional 2,421 fans will be permitted to attend the match following the latest safety checks. This will bring the attendance to 60,725, just shy of the eventual capacity of around 61,000. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, and fans are hoping for an outstanding performance from their team.
2. Burnley set for Championship return?
While Liverpool is fighting for the league title, Burnley is battling to avoid relegation. Vincent Kompany’s side currently sits in 19th place, seven points clear of safety. Their attempts to adopt a ball-playing style similar to the one that led to their promotion from the Championship have not paid off, making them appear vulnerable in the division. Although Burnley supporters may not expect a positive result against Liverpool, surprises can happen in the Premier League.
3. Who’s missing for Liverpool?
Injuries continue to plague Liverpool as they face another game without key players. Thiago has picked up a hamstring injury right after his return against Arsenal, ruling him out for an extended period. Dominik Szoboszlai is also unavailable due to a hamstring problem, while Mohamed Salah is not yet fit enough to start. However, there is hope that Salah will be back in full training the following week, making him a potential option for the upcoming match against Brentford. Ibrahima Konate is suspended after being sent off against Arsenal, and Conor Bradley is unavailable due to the passing of his father. Illness may further deplete the squad, with Joe Gomez among the potential absentees. Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak are all ruled out with long-term injuries.
4. Our starting XI
Jurgen Klopp faces some selection dilemmas for the match, but a six-day break has allowed his fit and available players to rest. Trent Alexander-Arnold will continue at right-back in the absence of Bradley, and Andy Robertson is pushing for a start after a long absence from the team. Wataru Endo, who returns after Asian Cup duty, is an option in the No. 6 role, and Alexis Mac Allister could potentially play as a No. 8 instead of Ryan Gravenberch. Klopp will likely choose between Endo and Harvey Elliott depending on where he sees Mac Allister fitting into the lineup. The predicted Liverpool starting XI includes Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Elliott, Jones; Jota, Diaz, Nunez.
5. Who is out for Burnley?
Burnley will be missing centre-back Jordan Beyer due to injury, but there is optimism that Hannes Delcroix and Charlie Taylor will be available for selection. However, Nathan Redmond and Luca Koleosho will not be able to play, and Hjalmar Ekdal is a doubt after going off injured in their previous match against Fulham. New signing David Fofana could make his first start after impressing as a substitute, scoring twice and registering an assist in his debut against Man City. The predicted Burnley starting XI includes Trafford; Assignon, O’Shea, Esteve, Vitinho; Brownhill, Gudmundsson, Berge, Odobert; Fofana, Foster.
6. Klopp’s presser
During his press conference, Klopp praised Wataru Endo’s influence on the pitch before his departure for the Asian Cup. Klopp believes that Endo and Mac Allister can play together and plans to bring them together in the right moment. With Gravenberch and Elliott struggling to make an impact, starting both Endo and Mac Allister could be a logical choice for Klopp.
7. Burnley’s dismal Anfield record
Burnley faces an uphill battle on Saturday, as their record at Anfield demonstrates their lack of success against Liverpool. Since 1974, Burnley has only managed one victory at Anfield, which occurred during the 2020/21 season when no fans were present due to Covid-19 restrictions. Although Liverpool has had some close calls in previous encounters, including a hard-earned 4-2 victory during the 2018/19 season, the odds are heavily stacked against Burnley.
8. Did you know?
Liverpool’s home record under Klopp is remarkable. Out of 140 Premier League games played in front of supporters, Liverpool has only lost five matches. Comparatively, they lost six matches when no fans were present. Their only home league defeat with fans in the ground since April 2017 was against Leeds last season. Klopp has built a fortress at Anfield, and his successor will have a challenging job to maintain the same level of dominance.
9. Tim Robinson takes charge
The referee for Saturday’s match will be Tom Robinson, who will be officiating a Liverpool game in the Premier League for the first time. He previously refereed two Carabao Cup matches involving Liverpool. Stuart Attwell will be in charge of VAR, while Tom Bramall will serve as the fourth official. Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh will assist Robinson on the sidelines.
10. Follow the match with TIA
The Liverpool vs. Burnley match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout. However, fans can follow the action through The Liverpool Independent’s matchday live blog, which will provide updates and keep readers entertained throughout the game. Harry McMullen will be in charge of the live blog from 2.15pm (UK). Let’s go, Reds!