By Daniel Ghorbal @GhorbalDan
Saturday marks the return of fans to a competitive game at Anfield as Liverpool host Burnley, the first time with a full crowd since March 2020. The occasion will undoubtedly be memorable in the history of the football club, and Burnley will almost certainly do all they can to spoil Liverpool’s emotional return.
Last season was a tough year in spells for the Reds, spearheaded by the defeat at home to Burnley which ended their remarkable unbeaten run at Anfield. Sean Dyche’s game plan was executed to a tee that day as his side defended resolutely and struck late on via an Ashley Barnes’ penalty.
Pre Season/This Season
Although they ended up finishing the season relatively safely from relegation, the squad has yet to be improved markedly ahead of this campaign. Nathan Collins, an exciting young Irish international, was signed from Stoke for £12 million pounds, but with a settled back four it is unlikely he will immediately come into the side and bolster their defensive capabilities. Likewise, Wayne Hennessey was signed on a free from Crystal Palace, but with Nick Pope as first choice, his addition is one which won’t improve the sides current outlook.
It is no secret that Burnley have had a limited budget since being in the Premier League. However, with today’s market and strength of those battling to stay in the league, some depth would massively bolster their chances of progressing up the table as opposed to looking down. This was emphasised in Saturday’s opening day defeat at home to Brighton. The Clarets took the lead early on from a set piece, but ended up losing 1-2 with a couple of late goals.
Brighton substitutes Jakub Moder and Alexis Mac Allister played key parts in that comeback, outlining the value of having quality to bring on off the bench. Burnley’s bench largely consisted of youngsters such as Bobby Thomas and Lewis Richardson, as well as stalwarts Phil Bardsley, Ashley Barnes and Matej Vydra. Ultimately, substitutes of this ilk may be good for fresh legs, but when you are chasing a result ultimately the quality is just not there.
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One thing to recognise ahead of Saturdays game is Burnley’s impressive away record at Anfield in recent seasons, winning one and drawing two of their last four visits. Dyche’s tactics will remain the same for this one, and it is important that Liverpool remain patient in trying to break them down.
On Tuesday, Burnley were beaten 3-1 in a friendly by Manchester United, a match which saw the likes of Aaron Lennon, Erik Pieters and Ashley Barnes get some vital minutes in their legs. Although I don’t anticipate any of these players to start vs Liverpool, Dyche will want his entire squad up to scratch as the games start coming thicker and faster.
Injuries
There are no new fresh concerns for the game and Burnley’s XI should look somewhat similar to how it has been for the previous few seasons. Josh Brownhill was a really tidy signing from Bristol City and I expect him to come into the side for this one, adding more steel in the midfield. Although Dyche usually lines up in his conventional 4-4-2 formation, he has occasionally switched to a more rigid 4-5-1 formation in games of this calibre, leaving Chris Wood up front to fight for every ball.
This will definitely be a tough battle for Liverpool, but with Burnley’s lack of depth and with the full crowd back at Anfield, the raucous reception and sheer energy of everyone around the place should see Klopp’s side over the line. Burnley’s work ethic and defensive desire will be at 100%, and with Chris Wood’s form towards the back end of last season, he will be looking to open his account for the 2021/22 season.
By Daniel Ghorbal @GhorbalDan
