Liverpool v Burnley preview: Reds begin period without Sadio Mane

Liverpool will want to get moving in the right direction against Burnley at Anfield on Saturday after a tough week both domestically and in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp has faced criticism from some quarters over Liverpool's defensive performance in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Champions League and the 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

However, at Anfield, they've failed to concede in their last four home Premier League games, suggesting Burnley may have a job on their hands to trouble the scorers, especially knowing that have won just once in their last 23 away games versus Liverpool in all competitions (D4 L18), losing the last nine in a row.

Sean Dyche's men have already taken points off both Chelsea (3-2 win) and Tottenham (1-1) on the road this season and actually are above Liverpool in the Premier League table in seventh.

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Team news

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is unavailable for the visit of Burnley as he starts a three-match suspension.

Playmaker Philippe Coutinho could take his place in the starting line-up after making his comeback from a back injury in their midweek Champions League draw with Sevilla.

Klopp may also opt to swap his full-backs with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson coming in.

Nick Pope will start in goal for Burnley after Tom Heaton underwent surgery on a dislocated shoulder.

Pope will make his first top-flight start as Heaton, who has only missed three league games over the previous four seasons, faces months out with an injury sustained in last weekend's win over Crystal Palace.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche is hoping Jeff Hendrick (thigh) can make his comeback after he trained fully on Thursday but Dean Marney (knee) remains a long-term absentee.

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Opta stats

Burnley have been leading Premier League matches for a combined 153 minutes this season, only Chelsea (172) have been in a winning position for longer so far in 2017-18.

The Clarets have had a league-high 30% of their shots this season from corner situations, but they have also allowed their opponents the highest proportion of their shots from corners (31%).

A league-high 22.5% of passes that Burnley have played this season have been long passes (35+ yards in any direction) - the highest proportion of any team in the competition after MD4.

Jonathan Walters has scored seven times versus Liverpool in the Premier League, more than he has against any other side.

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Liverpool have won just five of the 12 Premier League games that Sadio Mane hasn't started since August 2016 (42%), compared to 63% of games when he has started (19/30).

Roberto Firmino has had a hand in nine goals (four goals, five assists) in 11 Premier League appearances at Anfield in 2017 so far.

Liverpool could become the fourth team to earn 1000 home points in the Premier League if they avoid defeat in this match - they are currently on 999 points (P483 W293 D120 L70).

Paul Merson's prediction

It's a must-win game for Liverpool. I know they kept a clean sheet against Arsenal but they are not going to win the league with that defence.

Philippe Coutinho will probably play with Sadio Mane suspended and he can open teams up, but the way Burnley have been playing they should be full of confidence. Their away form has been good and I don't think they need to sit back and wait for Liverpool to break them down. It could be nervy for Liverpool.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

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