Liverpool return from the international break on Sunday with the chance to make it four wins from four at the start of their Premier League title defence. Standing in their way is newly promoted Burnley, who will be desperate to turn Turf Moor into a fortress once again.
How to Watch
Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
Kick-off: 14:00 (BST)
Form Guide
Burnley: For Burnley, the scale of the challenge could not be clearer. Scott Parker side are unbeaten in their last 25 home league matches, a remarkable run stretching back to their Championship-winning campaign, but this will be the sternest test of all.
The Clarets’ back line, so watertight in the second tier, has found the Premier League step-up punishing. Heavy defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have already exposed vulnerabilities, with six goals conceded across those two fixtures. However, their 2–0 win over Sunderland at Turf Moor highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion, keeping a clean sheet in front of their own fans.
History does little to boost Burnley’s chances. Against reigning top-flight champions, they have lost 10 of their last 11 attempts, conceding 30 goals in the process. And against Liverpool specifically, the Clarets have suffered five successive defeats, managing just one goal in those encounters.
Liverpool
Liverpool have been relentless in terms of results but not without flaws. The champions began their season with chaotic, high-scoring victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle United — games that showcased their attacking flair but also raised concerns about defensive organisation.
Encouragingly for Arne Slot, those issues were addressed before the international break. Against last season’s runners-up Arsenal, the Reds displayed far more control, ultimately edging a tight contest thanks to a thunderous free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
The win sent Liverpool into the break with nine points from nine, a perfect start that they’ll be keen to extend against a Burnley side they’ve dominated in recent years.
Team News
Burnley
Scott Parker will be forced to cope without Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts, and Jordan Beyer, who are all sidelined. Nevertheless, the Clarets’ squad is otherwise healthy, and the manager is unlikely to make sweeping changes following a spirited display at Old Trafford before the break.
One possible new face is Florentino Luís, who arrived on loan from Benfica and could be handed his debut in midfield. His quality and composure could provide a much-needed boost in the centre of the pitch.
Elsewhere, Burnley will again lean heavily on winger Jaidon Anthony, who has hit the ground running with two goals and an assist this season. Midfielder Josh Cullen, despite the misfortune of an own goal at Old Trafford, has been a vital creative presence with two goal contributions already.
Liverpool
All eyes will be on Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak. The £125 million striker is edging closer to his debut, but Slot has confirmed the club will take a cautious approach. Isak could be included in the travelling squad, but Hugo Ekitiké will once again lead the line as the Swede builds fitness.
At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is available, with Slot suggesting before the break that his return would likely come after September. In his absence, Szoboszlai has thrived in an advanced role from the flank, reducing the urgency to rush the Dutchman back.
The Reds will, however, be without Curtis Jones, who sustained an injury in the Arsenal match and has been ruled out of the trip to Lancashire.
Predicted Lineups
Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dúbravka; Walker, Ekdal, Estève, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu; Larsen, Mejbri, Anthony; Foster
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
