Burnley welcome Liverpool to Turf Moor in Saturday evening's Premier League fixture with both sides looking to build on positive results last weekend.
Sean Dyche's side almost picked up all three points at Molineux last Sunday, while the Reds put three past Arsenal at Anfield in what was a very impressive performance.
Burnley
© ReutersAlthough Burnley fell 3-1 to Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, it is difficult to put too much stock by that performance given the fact Dyche has generally shown little interest in the cups before and made 10 changes for the fixture at Turf Moor.
Much more indicative are the club's performances to start this season, such as last weekend's showing against Wolverhampton Wanderers in which they were held to a draw by Raul Jimenez's 97th-minute penalty.
Ashley Barnes took his goal tally up to four in three games last weekend, dovetailing superbly with strike partner Chris Wood to cause the Wolves backline all sorts of problems, but it is unlikely that they will have as many chances against the impressive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.
Likewise, although the Clarets have fashioned a good number of chances in each of their three games this season, it is difficult to see them having as much success against Jurgen Klopp's team.
As such, Burnley may have to rely solely on set-pieces to fashion opportunities and it may be that VAR could be their ally in picking up shirt-pulling or fouls in the area.
Spanish keeper Adrian has made mistakes since replacing Alisson in the Reds goal and he could be caught out by some long balls and deep crosses into the area from the likes of Erik Pieters and Dwight McNeil, who has the second-highest number of assists in the Premier League in 2019 behind Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Defensively speaking, Burnley will have to rely even more on centre-half James Tarkowski, who marshalled the defence well against Wolves, as Klopp is unlikely to rest any of his preferred front three for this game.
One significant tactical problem for the Clarets could be the absence of Icelandic winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson. The former Charlton Athletic player went off with a calf problem last weekend and contributes more defensively than his likely replacement Aaron Lennon, which would afford Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson far more space to drive into.
Recent form: WLD
Liverpool
© ReutersLiverpool have had seven days' rest since their win over Arsenal last weekend as they look to make it four wins from four to start the new Premier League season.
Mohamed Salah was at his absolute best in that game but it is unlikely that he will have as much space in this game as he was afforded last week by David Luiz and the diamond formation implemented by Gunners boss Unai Emery.
Roberto Firmino also looked impressive against Arsenal and his movement and ability to link up Liverpool's forward play will be essential to breaking down Burnley's oft stubborn defensive unit.
The odds for this game certainly do appear to favour Klopp's side - they have won four of their five away trips to Turf Moor in the Premier League era and they are currently on a 12-game winning run in the top flight dating back to last season.
The last time the Merseysiders won 12 games in a row in English football's top division was back in late 1990 under Kenny Dalglish, but, in a quirk of history, the club have never made it to 13 consecutive wins before.
It is unlikely, though, that that sort of thing will add any pressure to Liverpool, who are one of the most well-drilled and organised sides in the league.
One glimmer of hope for Burnley, however, does come from Klopp's usually excellent defence. They were shaky at times against Southampton and they are yet to keep a clean sheet in four games this season, which does suggest there will be opportunities for the home side.
A win for Liverpool will maintain their perfect start to this campaign and keep them top of the table heading into the first international break of the season.
Recent form: WWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWWW
Team News
© ReutersBurnley remain without the services of midfielders Robbie Brady and Steven Defour, who are both not expected to be available until after the international fixtures.
They are joined on the treatment table by Gudmundsson, who is likely to be replaced in the starting lineup by former Spurs and Everton winger Lennon, who started their EFL Cup fixture with Sunderland.
Another starter in that game was Danny Drinkwater, but the on-loan Chelsea midfielder had a debut to forget after his poor clearance allowed Will Grigg to cancel out Jay Rodriguez's opener for the Clarets.
Klopp has basically the same squad to choose from that he had for the Arsenal game last weekend, with the only absentees being Nathaniel Clyne, Naby Keita and Alisson.
That should see the former Dortmund boss stick with largely the same side, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may come into the midfield to offer a little more pace in midfield.
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Pope; Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Pieters; Lennon, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Barnes, Wood
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Head To Head
Saturday evening's game will be the 95th meeting between the two clubs, with Liverpool currently leading the way with 46 wins to Burnley's 33.
While the Lancashire club are close in wins overall, their recent record against their Merseyside opponents hasn't been particularly strong, with just one win in their 10 previous Premier League encounters.
The two fixtures between these clubs threw up 10 goals last season, and it wouldn't be a shock to see the net bulge a few more times in this weekend's game.
We say: Burnley 0-2 Liverpool
As good as Burnley have been in their opening three games, Liverpool represent a big step up and the away side's attacking quality and defensive solidity should see them ease to a fourth league win of the season.
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