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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

'Will be interesting' - Pundits in agreement as Burnley vs Liverpool predictions made

Liverpool are the obvious favourites to come out on top against Burnley this afternoon, but the Premier League has a habit of throwing up surprise results.

Sean Dyche's side are fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and will need no reminding of the importance of picking up points between now and May.

Often considered a tough place to go, the Reds have tasted success on recent visits to Turf Moor and last lost in Lancashire in 2016.

READ MORE: Liverpool line-ups as Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate decisions made for Burnley

READ MORE: 'I have to say this' - Jurgen Klopp sends Sean Dyche message ahead of Liverpool trip to Burnley

A selection of pundits have shared their thoughts on how the match will play out, with Liverpool being backed to prevail.

Michael Owen, BetVictor (Burnley 0-2 Liverpool)

The former Liverpool striker is expecting a routine victory for the Reds this afternoon, helped by the return of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Owen expects the hosts to 'frustrate' Klopp's side, but this won't be enough to stop the visitors scoring twice.

“Burnley’s 11th draw of the season was a good one, and they competed well against Man United. This is another tough game for Sean Dyche’s side, and any points here would obviously be a bonus. A lot is expected of Wout Weghorst, and he was dangerous against United," he said.

“[Sadio] Mane and [Mohamed] Salah are back, and Liverpool could go on a good run of form now. To lose those two to AFCON and not drop any points in the league, Jurgen Klopp will be delighted. The return of Harvey Elliott is also a real bonus, he was playing well at the start of the season.

“Burnley will compete and try to frustrate Liverpool, but Liverpool will have too much quality here. 2-0 to Klopp’s men.”

Paul Merson, Sportskeeda (Burnley 0-3 Liverpool)

Despite the Clarets impressing against Manchester United earlier this week, Paul Merson cannot see 'anything but a Liverpool victory'.

“Burnley were at their best the other day against Manchester United. They came out with intent in the second half, and they got their goal. But Liverpool are a different team, and Burnley will need to hope for a windy, rainy day like the other night to stand a chance," he said.

“I don’t think Mane will play this game, but Salah has to play. He’s absolutely world-class. Jota will also likely keep his place, and I’d probably go with Firmino against Burnley.

"I can’t see anything but a Liverpool victory this weekend.”

Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport (Burnley 0-2 Liverpool)

Intrigued to see Burnley forward Weghorst battle it out with Virgil van Dijk, Mark Lawrenson believes the hosts will need their January recruit to be on top form to stand any chance of taking points from the game.

Although not expecting the Reds to run riot, the ex-Liverpool defender has still predicted three points for the visitors.

"Watching new Burnley striker Wout Weghorst go up against his Dutch team-mate Virgil van Dijk will be interesting," stated Lawrenson.

“Weghorst has made a decent start to life at Turf Moor but he was signed to score goals and it is a big ask for him to get off the mark in this one.

“This won’t be easy for Liverpool. Burnley are still bottom of the table but they have shown recently that they are up for the fight. I still think Jurgen Klopp’s side will come out on top though, because we know they will create a lot of chances.”

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