Despite Liverpool failing to convert at the weekend in their frustrating 0-0 draw against Manchester United, manager Jurgen Klopp is hopeful of returning to winning ways with his side against Burnely tonight.
During his press conference yesterday ahead of tonight’s game, Klopp stated how his team’s performance against United was positive but they failed to win and that hopefully, they can change that against Sean Dyche’s side with a win, as quoted by The Atheltic’s James Pearce on Twitter…
Klopp: "The last performance was really good but we didn't win. Now we have another chance to change that."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) January 20, 2021
Despite Liverpool’s poor form as of late, the game against Burnley could be a good opportunity to get results back on track but it is key that the Reds don’t underestimate their opponents despite the Clarets suffering from their form too, with only two wins in their last five games and two losses on the bounce going into the game.
Liverpool have struggled for goals recently and we could see a different approach in the teams set up tonight – with our front three still failing to really get off the mark with one another over the last few games, meaning we could see a different front three start the game tonight, so here is my prediction…
Formation: 4-3-3
It may seem a bit of a shot in the dark but I think a few changes are needed for the game. The main changes being Nat Phillips returning to central defence alongside Fabinho due to the physicality of Burnley’s front line and the height they possess from set-pieces and long balls – meaning Phillips starting alongside the Brazilian would make sense given the young Englishman has averaged 7 aerial duels won per game so far this season.
This change in defence will hopefully see a return in midfield for Jordan Henderson at right central midfield which would then allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to attack more freely compared to recently – with his role going forward usual being covered by Henderson when attacking, which has been stunted due to Trent needing to stay more defensive due to the lack of cover.
The other main change would see Xherdan Shaqiri start at right wing with Mo Salah playing in the striker role – leaving Roberto Firmino on the bench. The main reason for this was due to Shaqiri’s performance against United on Sunday proving impressive with him creating chances and helping the Reds to get in better attacking situations. As well as this, Firmino has been absent for the past few games as have Sadio Mané and Salah, but the two wingers are better goalscorers and when given the right opportunity will be better at converting chances than the Brazilian forward.
Can Liverpool beat Burnley tonight?
Yes
No
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Burnley
I can’t see this one being the high-scoring free-flowing game that we are all hoping for but I can see us winning the game. Burnley have been come and go at times this season yet still they have only conceded 22 goals, just one more than Liverpool. Sean Dyche’s problem this season has been scoring them with only 9 goals from 17 Premier League games.
I truly believe that if Klopp goes for the same starting XI as above, we can win the game and slowly start to build on our results and try and return to the form that we have been used to seeing over recent years, so I’m going for a 2-0 win to Liverpool.