Liverpool's performance at the Emirates Stadium could be described as a defensive disaster, marking the end of their 11-game unbeaten streak across all competitions and a 15-match run without defeat in the Premier League.
Despite a bizarre own goal from Gabriel Magalhaes momentarily leveling the score for Liverpool, defensive errors from Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk led to Arsenal's victory. Manager Jurgen Klopp expressed frustration at how everything seemed to go against his team during their trip to London.
Although Liverpool still leads the Premier League standings, their margin over Arsenal and Manchester City is now just two points, and City, with a game in hand, could overtake them by beating Everton earlier in the day.
Redemption will be the goal at Anfield, where Liverpool has been undefeated in their last 23 Premier League matches. However, their recent streak of conceding goals at home offers Burnley a glimmer of hope.
Burnley, currently struggling near the bottom of the table, will be aiming to build on their recent away goal-scoring record, though they have suffered defeat in their last four encounters with Liverpool.
The stakes may not be as high as in previous seasons, but both teams will be eager to secure a positive result in this important clash.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
After receiving two yellow cards on Sunday, Liverpool's center-back Konate will be serving a one-game suspension this weekend, providing Jarell Quansah with an opportunity to partner with Van Dijk in defense.Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Thiago Alcantara were all declared fit to face Arsenal, but Dominik Szoboszlai was a late withdrawal due to a thigh issue. It remains uncertain whether Conor Bradley will be available this weekend following the passing of his father.
Stefan Bajcetic, Mohamed Salah, Kostas Tsimikas, and Joel Matip are still recovering from various injuries, but Wataru Endo should be back in contention for Klopp's squad after Japan's exit from the Asian Cup.
For Burnley, Luca Koleosho and Nathan Redmond remain sidelined with knee and thigh injuries, respectively, while Jordan Beyer is unlikely to feature due to a muscle problem. However, there's hope for Charlie Taylor and Hannes Delcroix's return from shoulder and knock issues.
Defender Hjalmar Ekdal was substituted at half-time in the last match and could be replaced by Maxime Esteve for his full debut with the Clarets. Following his standout performance against Fulham, Datro Fofana is pressing for a starting spot in Burnley's attacking lineup, potentially displacing either Lyle Foster or Zeki Amdouni.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Endo, Mac Allister; Jota, Nunez, Diaz
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Assignon, O'Shea, Esteve, Vitinho; Gudmundsson, Berge, Brownhill, Odobert; Datro Fofana, Foster
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-0 Burnley
When Liverpool visited Turf Moor during the holiday season, Burnley put up a commendable performance. With Liverpool's tendency to concede goals at home and Burnley's ability to score away from home, it's unlikely that either team will keep a clean sheet this weekend.
However, as Klopp's team steps onto the field amidst the roar of Anfield, they have more than just securing a point on their minds. The hosts, who typically score close to three goals per Premier League game at home, will be eager to dominate against Burnley, especially given the Clarets' position near the relegation zone.
