Liverpool Face Burnley Challenge: Can Wirtz Keep His Hot Streak Going?

Liverpool's position in fourth place masks a concerning gap to the Champions League places, with Aston Villa sitting eight points clear above them. However, the Reds have shown improved resilience following a torrid November, stringing together 11 games without defeat—though recent Premier League form has stalled with three successive draws.

Monday's 4-1 FA Cup demolition of Barnsley provided a morale boost, yet the preceding stalemates tell a different story. A goalless encounter with Leeds at Anfield and a 2-2 draw at Fulham, where they conceded deep into stoppage time, represent missed opportunities. The 0-0 at Arsenal, however, showcased their defensive mettle against the division's leaders.

When these sides met earlier in the season at Turf Moor, Liverpool scraped a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Mo Salah penalty struck late on—a result epitomizing Burnley's entire campaign. Despite competitive performances, Scott Parker's side have repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of results. Now eight points adrift of safety, their mathematical hopes of survival are rapidly evaporating.

Team News and Selection Dilemmas

Arne Slot faces a balancing act with Champions League football in mind. Alexander Isak's extended absence means Hugo Ekitike shoulders the attacking burden, having appeared off the bench to net against Barnsley after missing the previous league fixtures. Jeremie Frimpong, who also scored in the cup tie, continues at right-back with Conor Bradley sidelined for the season.

Parker's injury troubles mount considerably. Zian Flemming, Jordan Beyer, Mike Tresor, Connor Roberts, Zeki Amdouni and Josh Cullen all remain unavailable. Lyle Foster may return following illness, while veteran Ashley Barnes—fresh from bagging twice in their impressive 5-1 FA Cup victory over Millwall—could feature. Burnley's defensive vulnerability on the road, having conceded 26 away goals this term, suggests they'll adopt a rigid low block in pursuit of frustration rather than ambition.

Expected Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Burnley (5-4-1): Dubravka; Laurent, Esteve, Humphreys, Walker, Ugochukwu; Florentino, Pires, Bruun Larsen, Anthony; Broja.

The Numbers Game

Liverpool's home record against Burnley reads impressively: six wins and two draws from nine Premier League meetings, with just a single defeat—that coming in 2020-21 when they were defending champions. Burnley's misery deepens when considering their last six visits to Anfield, conceding 12 goals whilst managing just one in return.

Across all Premier League encounters, Burnley have mustered merely 11 goals in 19 games against Liverpool—a paltry 0.6 per game, bettered only by their record against Arsenal. Liverpool's shot-taking prowess has dipped to 14.7 per game this season, their lowest since 2001-02, whilst their expected goals average of 1.54 represents their nadir since 2015-16.

Burnley's current plight extends beyond this fixture. Twelve league games without victory—recording three draws and nine defeats—represents their longest drought at top-flight level since 1970. Domestically, only their 18-game streak in the Championship (December 2006 to March 2007) surpasses this barren run.

The Wirtz Factor

Florian Wirtz has emerged as Liverpool's creative catalyst. Among Premier League players attempting 50+ take-ons this season, the German boasts the highest success rate at 54 percent (27 from 50). His creative output matches elite company, registering 31 chances created from open play—placing him among just five players to reach that milestone in 2025-26.

Recent form suggests Wirtz as the obvious avenue through which Liverpool breach Burnley's defensive fortress. Three goals in his last five appearances, including two strikes at Anfield across his last three outings, indicate a player hitting his stride. His ability to unpick a packed defence appears crucial to Liverpool's afternoon.

Match Outlook

Parker's experience at Anfield carries unwanted baggage—a catastrophic 9-0 defeat whilst managing Bournemouth surely reinforces defensive caution. Expect Burnley to barricade themselves deep and frustrate for as long as possible. An early Liverpool breakthrough would render their game plan redundant; conversely, if proceedings remain tight, the Reds' documented struggles against low blocks could invite mounting pressure from the home crowd.

Yet predicting anything beyond a Liverpool victory proves difficult. A clean sheet appeals at even money, with Wirtz's anytime scoring odds of 12/5 offering genuine value given his recent trajectory.