Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon aiming to end their winless start to 2026 when they host relegation-threatened Burnley.
The reigning champions are at risk of an unwanted club first—failing to win all three home games against newly-promoted sides in a single Premier League season—after being held by Leeds United and Sunderland earlier in the campaign.
Liverpool
The unbeaten run remains intact, but victories have eluded Liverpool in recent league outings. Arne Slot’s men have drawn three consecutive Premier League matches since the turn of the year, with stalemates against Leeds and Fulham feeling like missed opportunities. However, last weekend’s goalless draw with Arsenal was a point gained, overshadowed by Gabriel Martinelli’s controversial shove on an injured Conor Bradley.
Liverpool sit fourth in the table, two points clear of Brentford, but Newcastle and Manchester United are breathing down their necks. Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley offered some respite, though the 4-1 scoreline flattered the Reds after a nervy first half. That victory extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches in all competitions since November’s Champions League collapse against PSV Eindhoven.
Mohamed Salah’s imminent return from AFCON will boost Liverpool’s attacking threat, which has dipped alarmingly—Slot’s side average just 14.7 shots per game, their lowest figure since 2001-02.
Team News
Bradley’s knee injury rules him out for the season, joining Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak, and Wataru Endo on the sidelines. Rio Ngumoha cramped up against Barnsley but was never in contention to start. Salah remains unavailable as Egypt contest the AFCON third-place playoff.
Hugo Ekitike returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and could lead the line, while Slot is expected to recall several big names after midweek rotation.
Burnley
Goals—and wins—have been in short supply for Burnley, whose Premier League winless run now stands at 12 matches. Scott Parker’s men have suffered nine defeats and three draws since October’s 3-2 triumph over Wolves, though recent draws against Manchester United and others hint at slight improvement.
The Clarets remain 19th, eight points adrift of safety, but they enjoyed a rare moment of joy in the FA Cup, thrashing Millwall 5-1 for just their fifth victory in any competition this season.
Defensive frailties persist, with Burnley still chasing their first away clean sheet of the campaign. September’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool extended their losing streak against the Reds to six league games.
Team News
Mike Tresor, Zian Flemming, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts, and Josh Cullen are all out, while Joe Worrall faces a late fitness test.
Ashley Barnes scored twice in the FA Cup but will likely make way for Armando Broja, with Lyle Foster expected to return from illness.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool have dominated this fixture, winning six consecutive Premier League meetings. Burnley’s last victory at Anfield came in January 2021, but since then, the Reds have kept clean sheets in four of the last five encounters.
Conclusion
Saturday’s clash pits Liverpool—the team that spends the most time facing a low block—against Burnley, who rank third for time spent in one. Expect Slot’s side to eventually break through and claim their first league win of 2026, while Burnley’s attacking efforts are unlikely to trouble the champions.
A goal or two should do it for the hosts.
Verdict: Total goals under 2.5
Best odds: 11/8
Bookmaker: 888sport
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