Liverpool vs Burnley Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Liverpool will host Burnley at Anfield on Saturday, 17 January, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is crucial for Liverpool as they aim to maintain their position near the top of the league table. Meanwhile, Burnley will be looking to secure vital points to climb away from the relegation zone. Both teams have a lot at stake, making this encounter one to watch for fans and bettors alike.

Anfield, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, will set the stage for this important Premier League fixture. Liverpool’s attacking prowess will be tested against Burnley’s resilient defence. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. As we explore the prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it’s clear that every point counts in this competitive league.

Liverpool vs Burnley Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score: no	1.8

Considering the odds and recent performances, our betting tip is to back Liverpool to win and for there to be over 2.5 goals in the match. Liverpool’s consistent scoring, especially at home, combined with Burnley’s defensive vulnerabilities, makes this a strong selection.

• Liverpool have scored first in 100% of their last 5 matches against Burnley, highlighting their ability to start games strongly.
• Burnley concede an average of 1.9 goals per game, which plays into Liverpool’s attacking strengths.
• The last encounter at Anfield ended 3-1, indicating a tendency for high-scoring matches between these sides.

Betting Odds

Liverpool are the clear favourites in this Premier League clash at Anfield, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.22 for a home win. Burnley, meanwhile, are significant underdogs, with odds of 12.34 reflecting the challenge they face.

Betting Tip	Odds
Liverpool to win	1.22
Draw	6.42
Burnley to win	12.34

For those considering a bet on this match, the odds for a draw stand at 6.42, which might be tempting given football’s unpredictable nature. Additionally, given Liverpool’s attacking capabilities, markets for over 2.5 goals could also be worth considering.

Liverpool Analysis & Past Performance

Liverpool have experienced a mixed run of form, with their last five matches resulting in two wins and three draws. Their recent fixtures include a commanding 4-1 victory over Barnsley in the FA Cup, underlining their attacking quality.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Liverpool	Barnsley	4 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	12 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Liverpool	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	8 Jan 2026
Fulham	Liverpool	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Leeds	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WDDDW

Liverpool’s attack has been reasonably effective, averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have shown resilience, conceding just 0.80 goals per match and keeping two clean sheets. The team has demonstrated a strong home advantage, remaining unbeaten in their last five home fixtures with a 60% win ratio. This home form, coupled with their position as 4th in the league with 35 points, reflects their competitive edge this season.

Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool are set to line up without several key players due to injuries. Joel Matip’s cruciate ligament injury rules him out for the season, which is a significant blow to their defensive options. While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are available to form a solid partnership at the back, Matip’s absence could test their depth if further injuries occur. Additionally, Stefan Bajčetić and Wataru Endō, both sidelined with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, are expected to return by late January, offering hope for midfield reinforcement soon.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for the season
Stefan Bajčetić	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Wataru Endō	Ankle injury	Late January 2026
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Conor Bradley	Knee injury	Out for the season

The absence of Alexander Isak, ruled out with a broken leg until late April, affects Liverpool’s attacking rotation. While Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are capable of leading the line, Isak’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability will be missed. This may force Liverpool to rely more on their midfield’s creativity, particularly from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, to break down Burnley’s defence.

Liverpool’s tactical setup may not require drastic changes due to these injuries, given the availability of key players in the starting line-up. However, the lack of depth could influence betting markets, as any further injuries during the match could expose vulnerabilities, especially in defence and midfield. With a strong starting eleven, Liverpool remain a formidable opponent, but the bench may lack its usual impact due to these absences.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool’s top scorer this season, Hugo Ekitiké, has been pivotal with 8 goals. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. Ekitiké’s knack for scoring crucial goals will be vital as Liverpool aim to secure a win against Burnley.

In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are expected to drive Liverpool’s creative engine. Mac Allister’s vision and Szoboszlai’s ability to deliver precise passes and set-pieces can unlock Burnley’s defence. Ryan Gravenberch, with his box-to-box dynamism, provides balance and can transition play from defence to attack seamlessly.

Defensively, the leadership of Virgil van Dijk is crucial. His commanding presence and aerial prowess will be essential in keeping Burnley at bay. Alongside him, Ibrahima Konaté offers pace and physicality, complementing van Dijk’s experience. Alisson Becker, as the last line of defence, is renowned for his shot-stopping abilities and will need to be at his best.

Expected line-up for Liverpool:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defence: Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez
• Midfield: Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai
• Forward: Florian Wirtz

Liverpool Tactics and Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Florian Wirtz
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with a focus on quick transitions.

Liverpool’s use of the 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to maintain control in midfield while offering flexibility in attack. With Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister anchoring the midfield, they provide both defensive cover and creative impetus. Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo play crucial roles in supporting forward Florian Wirtz, who is expected to lead the line.

Defensively, Liverpool rely on the stability provided by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez at the heart of defence. Flanked by Ibrahima Konaté and Milos Kerkez, the defence has managed to achieve two clean sheets in their last five matches, underscoring their defensive capabilities.

Offensively, Liverpool’s strategy is characterised by high pressing and rapid transitions, which have proven effective in unsettling opposition defences. This approach is especially potent in the latter stages of matches, where their intensity often overwhelms opponents.

Burnley Analysis & Past Performance

Burnley have struggled to find consistent form this season, as reflected in their current standing of 19th in the Premier League table. Over their last five matches, they have secured only one victory—a notable 5-1 win against Millwall in the FA Cup—alongside two draws and two losses. Their performance in these matches shows an average of 1.60 goals scored per game, while they have conceded 1.60 goals on average, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Burnley	Millwall	5 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Burnley	Manchester United	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Brighton	Burnley	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Burnley	Newcastle	1 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Burnley	Everton	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WDLLD

Burnley’s away form has been particularly concerning, as they have failed to win any of their last five away games, with four losses and one draw. This poor run includes a 2-0 defeat to Brighton. On the attacking front, Zian Flemming remains a key player with 5 goals, though the team’s overall scoring average remains low at 0.80 goals per match in the league. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet in their last ten matches, highlighting a need for greater solidity at the back.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Burnley are currently contending with several injuries that could significantly affect their tactical setup against Liverpool. Zeki Amdouni’s absence due to a cruciate ligament injury, expected to keep him out until early April 2026, is a considerable blow to Burnley’s attacking options. Additionally, Connor Roberts and Louis Jordan Beyer are both sidelined with injuries until late January 2026, which could disrupt Burnley’s defensive structure. Joe Worrall and Zian Flemming are doubtful with minor knocks, while Mike Trésor is dealing with physical discomfort, further limiting Burnley’s depth.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Zeki Amdouni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Connor Roberts	Muscle strain	Late January 2026
Louis Jordan Beyer	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Joe Worrall	Minor knock	Doubtful
Josh Cullen	Cruciate ligament injury	Early September 2026
Zian Flemming	Minor knock	Doubtful
Mike Trésor	Physical discomfort	Doubtful

With key defenders like Connor Roberts and Louis Jordan Beyer unavailable, Burnley may need to rely on less experienced players or make tactical adjustments. Josh Laurent and Maxime Estève, who feature in the starting line-up, will be crucial in maintaining defensive solidity. The midfield, supported by the likes of Kyle Walker and Lesley Ugochukwu, will need to step up to cover for Josh Cullen’s long-term absence due to a cruciate ligament injury.

These injuries could force Burnley to alter their usual 3-4-2-1 formation, potentially adopting a more conservative approach against Liverpool to compensate for defensive absences. This situation may influence betting markets, as the lack of depth and key players could diminish Burnley’s chances of securing a positive result at Anfield.

Burnley Key Players

Burnley’s attacking prospects are led by Armando Broja, a forward known for his agility and clinical finishing. While Zian Flemming is the top scorer with 5 goals this season, Broja’s role becomes pivotal given the line-up. His ability to exploit spaces behind the defence could be crucial against Liverpool’s high line. In midfield, Lesley Ugochukwu’s physical presence and Lucas Pires’ playmaking skills are expected to orchestrate transitions from defence to attack, providing a balanced midfield dynamic.

Defensively, the trio of Josh Laurent, Maxime Estève, and Bashir Humphreys will be central to Burnley’s resistance. Estève’s aerial prowess and Laurent’s tactical awareness will be vital in dealing with Liverpool’s offensive threats. The synergy between these players is essential for maintaining structural integrity and thwarting Liverpool’s attacking moves.

Expected line-up for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: Martin Dúbravka
• Defence: Josh Laurent, Maxime Estève, Bashir Humphreys
• Midfield: Kyle Walker, Lesley Ugochukwu, Lucas Pires, Marcus Edwards, Hannibal Mejbri, Florentino
• Forward: Armando Broja

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Armando Broja
• Midfield Engine: Kyle Walker and Lesley Ugochukwu
• Defensive Structure: Vulnerable with only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and defensive transitions.

Burnley’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Scott Parker is designed to provide defensive solidity while allowing for flexibility in attack. With Armando Broja leading the line, the team look to create chances through the support of attacking midfielders Hannibal Mejbri and Florentino.

Offensively, Burnley rely heavily on their wing-backs, Kyle Walker and Marcus Edwards, to provide width and deliver crosses into the box. The midfield pairing of Lesley Ugochukwu and Lucas Pires is tasked with controlling the tempo and breaking up opposition play.

Defensively, the back three of Josh Laurent, Maxime Estève, and Bashir Humphreys need to be cohesive to prevent conceding goals, as shown by their recent struggles to keep clean sheets. The absence of key defenders such as Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer may impact their ability to maintain a solid defensive line.

Liverpool vs Burnley Head-to-Head Record

Liverpool have dominated the head-to-head record against Burnley, winning 15 of the last 20 encounters, with Burnley managing just 3 victories and 2 matches ending in draws. The most recent meeting saw Liverpool secure a 1-0 away win at Turf Moor in the Premier League.

The last time Liverpool hosted Burnley at Anfield, they claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory in February 2024, continuing their strong home form against the Clarets. Historically, Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool in this fixture, with Burnley struggling to make an impact.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Burnley	Liverpool	0 – 1	Premier League	14 September 2025
Liverpool	Burnley	3 – 1	Premier League	10 February 2024
Burnley	Liverpool	0 – 2	Premier League	26 December 2023
Burnley	Liverpool	0 – 1	Premier League	13 February 2022
Liverpool	Burnley	2 – 0	Premier League	21 August 2021