Liverpool vs Burnley

The Premier League action returns to Anfield today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Liverpool hosts a struggling Burnley side. Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT.

Arne Slot’s side currently sits in 4th place and is looking to end a run of three consecutive league draws. Meanwhile, Burnley, led by Scott Parker, finds themselves in 19th place, desperate for points to bridge an eight-point gap to safety.

Match Information

Liverpool: Navigating the AFCON Absence

Liverpool remains without their talisman Mohamed Salah, who is currently in Morocco for Egypt's third-place play-off against Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. While Egypt was eliminated in the semi-finals by Senegal earlier this week, FIFA regulations require Salah to remain with the national squad until the conclusion of the tournament today.

The Reds have maintained an 11-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, but their league form has stuttered with stalemates against Leeds, Fulham, and Arsenal. The return of Hugo Ekitiké from injury—who scored in the 4–1 FA Cup win over Barnsley on Monday—provides a significant boost to a front line that has lacked clinical finishing in recent weeks.

Team News and Selection:

• Long-term Absentees: Alexander Isak (leg), Conor Bradley (knee surgery), and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are all out. Bradley and Leoni are confirmed to miss the remainder of the season.

• Returns: Alisson Becker will return to the starting lineup after resting during the FA Cup. Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté are also expected to be restored to the XI.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.

Burnley: The Battle Against the Drop

Burnley arrives at Anfield as heavy underdogs, having failed to win any of their last 12 Premier League matches. However, Scott Parker’s side showed resilience in their last outing, securing a 2–2 draw against Manchester United.

The Clarets' defensive record is a major concern, as they currently possess the second-weakest defense in the division. Historically, they have struggled at Anfield, though they can take motivation from a famous 1–0 win at this stadium back in 2021—a match in which current squad member Ashley Barnes scored the winner.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Absences: The injury list is extensive, featuring Zian Flemming, Josh Cullen, Jordan Beyer, and Connor Roberts.

• Lead Attacker: Armando Broja is expected to lead the line, supported by Jaidon Anthony, who was on the scoresheet in the recent draw with Manchester United.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Dúbravka; Laurent, Estève, Humphreys; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Edwards, Anthony; Broja.

Tactical Analysis and Head-to-Head

• H2H Dominance: Liverpool has won their last six encounters against Burnley in all competitions, keeping clean sheets in five of those matches.

• The "Right-Back" Puzzle: With Conor Bradley out, Arne Slot has a tactical decision to make. He may deploy Dominic Szoboszlai in a less conventional right-back role or utilize Jeremie Frimpong deeper to provide defensive cover.

• Home Form vs. Promoted Sides: Liverpool has struggled to break down deep-lying blocks at Anfield this season, already dropping points at home to newly-promoted Leeds and Sunderland.

Match Prediction

Despite their recent draw-heavy form, Liverpool’s superior depth and the return of Hugo Ekitiké should be enough to overcome a Burnley side missing several key defensive pillars. Burnley may find chances on the counter, but the Reds are expected to control the tempo from the first whistle.

Final Score Prediction: Liverpool 3–1 Burnley