Liverpool turning screw after Wirtz opener vs Burnley LIVE!

Anfield, January 17, 2026 – Liverpool dominated Burnley in a crucial Premier League clash at Anfield, taking a commanding lead after Florian Wirtz's early opener, as they aimed to climb the table against relegation-threatened opponents.[1][2][5]

The match kicked off at 15:00 UTC (16:01 UK time), with Liverpool, sitting 4th on 35 points from 21 games (10 wins, 5 draws, 6 losses), heavy favorites at -457 odds against bottom-of-the-table Burnley (3-4-14, 13 points).[1][2][3] Wirtz struck first, capitalizing on Liverpool's early pressure to silence the Clarets, before the Reds turned the screw with relentless attacks.[1]

Mohamed Salah led the line with menace, registering shots and assists in a boxscore highlighting his influence (10 goals implied in stats).[1][4] Alisson secured a clean sheet bid early, while Ibrahima Konate marshaled the defense amid yellow cards elsewhere.[1] Burnley's Quilindschy Hartman (3 assists) and stand-in keeper Martin Dubravka faced an onslaught, with odds favoring over 2.5 goals at -186.[1][2]

Team News: Liverpool missed Salah on international duty, Conor Bradley (knee surgery), Wataru Endo (ankle), and others like Stefan Bajcetic and new signing Alexander Isak (injured).[4] Owen Beck returned from loan but injury-hit. Burnley, plagued by absences (Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, etc.), lined up in 3-4-3 with Kyle Walker anchoring defense and attackers like Armando Broja seeking counters.[1][4]

Recent form showed Liverpool unbeaten in four (W4-1 vs Brentford, D0-0 Arsenal), while Burnley drew 2-2 vs Man Utd but lost heavily elsewhere.[1] Live updates captured Liverpool's control: possession dominance, shots raining in, and Wirtz's goal setting the tone.[3][5] By halftime, the hosts led comfortably, Salah and midfielders piling pressure as Burnley clung on.[2]

The win propelled Liverpool's unbeaten streak toward a dozen games, boosting top-four hopes against a Burnley side desperate to avoid the drop.[4] Full-time highlights promised Salah magic and Anfield roars.

(298 words) – Live coverage via Sky Sports[5]