Liverpool vs Burnley LIVE: Ekitike Starts as Reds Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run

Liverpool host struggling Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026, in a crucial Premier League clash, with the Reds seeking to solidify their fourth-place position and extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games.[1][5][7]

Arne Slot's defending champions have recovered from an early-season slump, climbing back into the Champions League race despite dropping points against lower-table sides. They sit on 35 points from 21 games, trailing leaders Arsenal, while Burnley languish in 19th with just 13 points, eight points from safety under Scott Parker.[1][6]

Team News & Injuries

The big boost for Liverpool is the return of Hugo Ekitike, starting up front after injury, potentially troubling Burnley's defense. However, absentees include Mohamed Salah (AFCON duty), Conor Bradley (season-ending knee injury), Wataru Endo, Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, and Rio Ngumoha (cramp).[1][4][7]

Burnley welcome back Axel Tuanzebe from AFCON, but remain without key players like Josh Cullen (ACL), Connor Roberts, Zeki Amdouni, Jordan Beyer, and possibly Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall. Predicted lineup features Martin Dubravka in goal, with attackers like Jaidon Anthony and Armando Broja.[1][7]

Form & Head-to-Head

• Liverpool: Recent form includes wins over Brighton (4-1) and Wolves (2-1), but draws vs Arsenal (0-0), Fulham (2-2), and Leeds (0-0).[4]
• Burnley: Drew Man Utd (2-2), beat Millwall (5-1), but lost to Brighton (0-2) and Newcastle (1-3).[4]

Historical edge: Liverpool 62 wins, Burnley 38, 29 draws. Odds heavily favor the hosts: Liverpool 1/5 (-457), Burnley 13/1 (+1175), draw 11/2; over/under 2.5 goals.[1][4]

Prediction

Experts predict a 3-0 Liverpool win, with Ekitike's return key against a Clarets side vulnerable at Anfield.[1]

Kick-off: 15:00 UTC. Live updates from Anfield, where Liverpool aim to avoid matching a 45-year poor record vs promoted teams.[10]