Liverpool vs Burnley: Premier League Pick & Prediction – January 17, 2025
Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon with pressure quietly building despite their unbeaten streak. The still-reigning champions host Burnley knowing that another slip-up against newly promoted opposition would leave them on the wrong side of a piece of unwanted club history. Liverpool have already been held at home by both Sunderland and Leeds this season, and failure to beat Burnley would mark the first time since 1980/81 that they have gone an entire league campaign without winning at least one home game against promoted sides.
Both teams arrive on the back of emphatic FA Cup victories, but beyond that shared confidence boost, the gap between them could hardly be wider. Liverpool remain entrenched in the top-four race, while Burnley are fighting for survival and desperately searching for momentum in the league.
Head-to-Head History (H2H: Liverpool vs Burnley)
Recent encounters between the two sides have followed a familiar pattern. The Reds have come out on top in each of their last six Premier League meetings with Burnley, recording five clean sheets along the way. Burnley’s difficulties at Anfield are well established, and past results offer little reason for optimism when facing a Liverpool team that has consistently imposed itself in this tie.
However, the Clarets have at least demonstrated an ability to find the net away from home this season. Both teams have scored in eight of Burnley’s last nine Premier League matches on the road, suggesting that Scott Parker’s side may still pose some attacking threat despite their overall struggles.
Liverpool: Current Form and Squad News
Liverpool’s unbeaten run across all competitions now stands at 11 matches, but recent Premier League results have dulled the shine somewhat. Three consecutive league draws have prevented Arne Slot’s side from fully capitalising on rivals’ dropped points and have kept the top-four battle tighter than expected.
Monday night’s 4-1 FA Cup victory over Barnsley was welcome but far from routine, as Liverpool were forced to work hard against determined lower-league opposition. Still, that result ensured confidence remains high ahead of a return to league action, where a response is required after draws against Leeds, Fulham and Arsenal.
Injuries continue to complicate matters. Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo also remain unavailable. Mohamed Salah is still absent due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments, delaying Liverpool’s hopes of restoring some attacking fluency. On a more positive note, Hugo Ekitike made a strong impression off the bench in the cup, contributing a goal and an assist and putting himself firmly in contention to start.
Burnley: Current Form and Squad News
Burnley head to Merseyside buoyed by a much-needed 5-1 FA Cup demolition of Millwall, their first win in any competition since October. While that result lifted spirits, it does little to disguise a worrying league situation, with Scott Parker’s side now 12 Premier League matches without a win and sitting eight points adrift of safety.
That run is Burnley’s longest top-flight drought since 1970, and ominously, the 13th match in that infamous sequence also came away to Liverpool. Away form offers little encouragement either, as the Clarets have lost eight of their ten league matches on the road this season, including all five trips to sides currently inside the top seven.
In terms of availability, Burnley are still missing several key figures, while Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall face late fitness tests. Armando Broja is expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in the cup, and Jaidon Anthony arrives in good form after scoring in back-to-back matches.
Possible Starting Lineups of Liverpool and Burnley
Liverpool: Alisson – Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz – Hugo Ekitike. (4-2-3-1)
Burnley: Martin Dubravka – Maxime Esteve, Hjalmar Ekdal, Josh Laurent – Kyle Walker, Lesley Ugochukwu, Florentino, Quilindschy Hartman – Jacob Bruun Larsen, Jaidon Anthony – Armando Broja. (3-4-2-1)
Liverpool vs Burnley Betting Prediction and Odds
Saturday’s clash presents an interesting tactical contrast, with Liverpool ranking among the league’s most frequent opponents of low blocks and Burnley spending much of their time defending deep. Patience will be crucial for the Reds, but their quality advantage should eventually force openings.
Liverpool are priced at -455 to claim all three points, with Burnley available at +1100 and the draw at +550 on EveryGame. While the Merseysiders are deserved favorites, Burnley’s recent habit of scoring away from home makes the goal markets appealing.
Burnley had found the net in eight consecutive away league games prior to their recent defeat at Brighton, and another goal would not be a shock. Ultimately, Liverpool’s depth and Anfield advantage should tell, with a 2-1 or 3-1 home victory the most likely outcome.
