Liverpool vs Burnley Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Jan 17 – Will Liverpool Breeze Past the Relegation-Threatened Clarets?

Anfield awaits a high-stakes clash as the hosts fight for top-four supremacy against a struggling visitor. Fresh off another stalemate, Slot’s men aim to shed their recent “boring” label. Conversely, the away side enters desperate for points following their latest defeat. It is a tactical battle pitting aggressive possession-play against Parker’s methodical, safety-first defensive structure.

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

Liverpool

The hosts are grappling with a heavy injury list. Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees. Stefan Bajcetic remains sidelined until late January. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike and Wataru Endo are nearing returns by mid-month. These absences force Slot to rely heavily on his current midfield core to maintain dominance.

Burnley

Parker’s squad is decimated by significant long-term injuries. Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, and Connor Roberts remain unavailable for this trip. Joe Worrall and Jordan Beyer hope for mid-January returns, while Zian Flemming is a major doubt. These gaps in the defense and midfield severely limit the visitors’ tactical flexibility today.

Liverpool vs Burnley Head-to-Head Records

Form Guide

Liverpool

Slot’s men currently occupy fourth place, sustained by a notable nine-game unbeaten run. Despite the stability, a series of “dull” draws has raised questions about their clinical edge. The side excels in high-intensity possession, utilizing dynamic movement and wide attacks. However, systemic defensive vulnerabilities and an over-reliance on individual stars like Gakpo and Gravenberch suggest a team still searching for its most explosive form to challenge for the title.

Burnley

The visitors are mired in nineteenth place, facing a grim relegation fight after failing to win in eleven straight league matches. Parker’s safety-first approach focuses on structured possession and minimizing risk, yet individual errors continue to undermine their defensive organization. With a severe lack of conviction in the final third, they rely heavily on Broja to provide magic. Their dwindling confidence and limited squad depth make surviving Anfield a monumental task.

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Key Battles

Cody Gakpo vs Walker

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is Cody Gakpo against Walker. The Dutch forward is the primary threat for the hosts, thriving on quick vertical passes and his ability to cut inside from wide areas. His movement is essential to breaking down a deep, organized defensive block today.

Walker is the defensive cornerstone for the visitors, tasked with maintaining structural integrity under immense pressure. He must use his experience to track runners and minimize space in the final third. If he can neutralize the wide threat, it forces the hosts into the “boring” central play they recently struggled with.

Ryan Gravenberch vs Florentino

In the engine room, Ryan Gravenberch dictates the tempo of the home side’s possession-based style. His ability to drive forward and link play with the attack is vital for breaking defensive lines. He must provide the creative spark to ensure the match doesn’t descend into another frustratingly stagnant afternoon at Anfield.

Florentino acts as the defensive shield for Parker’s side, focusing on disrupting rhythm and closing down passing lanes. His role is to prevent the hosts from establishing their trademark high-intensity flow. If he successfully congests the midfield, the visitors might find opportunities to launch rare but methodical build-up play forward.

Tactical Outlook

Slot will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing “attack-minded possession-play.” Expect the full-backs, particularly Bradley, to provide width while Szoboszlai and Mac Allister orchestrate central dominance. The goal is to squeeze the pitch with high pressing, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. However, they must remain wary of over-committing, as systemic defensive gaps can be exploited by patient opponents.

Parker typically favors a safety-first 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3, prioritizing defensive organization and methodical build-up. The away side will look to sit deep, minimizing space behind the backline to frustrate the hosts. By focusing on ball retention in non-threatening areas, they aim to lower the game’s tempo. Success depends on avoiding individual errors that have plagued their recent winless run.

Possible Playing Squad

Liverpool XI:

Alisson (GK), Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones, Gakpo

Burnley XI:

Dubravka (GK), Laurent, Ekdal, Humphreys, Walker, Pires, Bruun Larsen, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Anthony, Broja

Liverpool vs Burnley Match Prediction

Anfield offers a formidable atmosphere that usually swallows teams in the bottom three. While the hosts have been accused of being uninspiring lately, their sheer quality should eventually overwhelm a fragile defense. Expect a cautious opening followed by a tactical squeeze as Slot’s men finally break the visitors’ pragmatic resistance.

Liverpool vs Burnley Score Prediction

Liverpool 2–0 Burnley; Gakpo’s individual brilliance breaks the deadlock against a stubborn but toothless opposition. The hosts maintain their unbeaten run despite a lack of clinical explosive flair.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.