Liverpool vs Burnley Preview

On paper, this is a fixture Liverpool should have no problem with whatsoever. Player for player they’re better all over the pitch and with home advantage few would back Burnley to get anything out of this game with their Premier League betting.  However, last season’s play-off winners have already beaten the likes of Manchester United and Everton this season so it is at least worth having a look at what the Reds are up against on Saturday afternoon.

After their 1-0 victories over United and Everton Burnley came up against Chelsea and lost 3-0 in a very one sided game.  Liverpool represent somewhat of a local derby for Burnley though and they’ll be eager to get yet another result against one of their more illustrious local rivals.

The Danger Men

It doesn’t matter how well organised a defence is when a decent free kick comes in and Burnley striker Robbie Blake has one of the best shots from a dead ball situation in the business.  Blake is also a decent forward and is the man who got the winner against Manchester United so he is certainly a player to watch out for. 

David Nugent has just joined the Clarets from Portsmouth and is a man who has something to prove in the Premier League.  I’ve never been convinced he has what it takes to be a success in the top-flight personally but he should see more action now he is at Turf Moore and has a chance to prove everyone wrong.

In midfield Icelandic playmaker Joey Gudjonsson is probably their most creative player.  He has great technical ability and the ability to pick out a pass and is a man who has the capabilities to cause Liverpool problems.  Former Manchester United man Chris Eagles can deliver a good cross and the play-off final hero Wade Elliot is also a very useful player.

Injuries 

For Liverpool new boy Alberto Aquilani will definitely be sitting this one out, he is sidelined until early October with a foot injury.  Daniel Agger is out until the end of October with a back injury and will also play no part in this fixture.  However, both El Zhar and Fabio Aurelio may be fit in time to face Burnley this weekend as both players recover from respective knee injuries.

Burnley have no injury worries going into the tie with defenders Stephen Caldwell and Michael Duff both expected to recover in time for the game at Anfield.

With Liverpool’s obvious advantages over Burnley I can’t see the Clarets picking up any points at Anfield in all honesty.  The fight-back at Bolton should have given Rafa’s men a lift and if I was going to bet on the correct score I’d go for a 3-0 home win.  This fixture could be just what Liverpool need to kick-start their campaign and they should be able to beat Burnley with relative ease.