PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Liverpool

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Clarets welcome fans back to Turf Moor for final home game

2021-05-19T07:16:19.752Z

PL PREVIEW: Burnley v Liverpool

Clarets welcome fans back to Turf Moor for final home game

2021-05-19T07:16:19.752Z

Clarets welcome fans back to Turf Moor for final home game

The Clarets face outgoing Premier League champions Liverpool in their final home game of the season on what should be a special night at Turf Moor.

For the first time since last March, supporters will be back inside the ground to support their team.

The capacity will be limited to 3,500 home fans spread across three sides of Turf Moor as restrictions around Covid are gradually eased.

But Burnley boss Sean Dyche believes having that level of support will be a welcome taste of things to come as his side rekindles its first-hand relationship with the fans.

“I have always said of the backing we have from our crowd that they’ve learned over seasons and they stay with the team,” said Dyche, whose side will be a Premier League outfit for a sixth successive season in 2021/22.

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“Even if we’ve had a tough result or a tough performance they have more or less stayed with us.

“There have been a few question marks but not as much as other grounds. They seem to bond to the team, and what the team give, and myself.

“I’ve always thanked them for their support and I think it’s great to see them with a chance to come back in the stadium.

“Obviously, it’s limited numbers but I think we all hope it works for everyone and by next season – if all does go to plan across the country – then, in theory, we should have stadiums with people back in and that will be a fantastic step forward for all.”

The 16th-placed Clarets are seeking a double over Liverpool to snap their lengthy winless run at Turf Moor before the end of the season.

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A repeat of January’s result at Anfield – when Burnley ended the champions’ 68-match unbeaten home record in the Premier League – would also damage the Reds’ hopes of a top-four finish.

And Dyche hopes the game will be an occasion to savour as those Clarets’ fans able to be there end a 14-month wait to see their team in the flesh.

He added: “It’s a pleasant reminder. I hope the fans just come in and want to enjoy their game first of all and then as time builds, they want their team to win.

“Just to have fans inside the stadium again is going to be a massive positive.”

Team news

The Clarets will check on goalkeeper Nick Pope to see whether he starts against Liverpool or delays his comeback until Sunday’s final game.

Clarets' keeper looks forward to new season as hard work pays off

Robbie Brady is definitely out for Burnley, along with Kevin Long, Dale Stephens and Phil Bardsley who have all undergone surgery.

Liverpool will be without striker Diogo Jota and midfielder Naby Keita.

However, wideman Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to return after illness and midfielder James Milner could also figure.

Form guide

The Clarets secured their Premier League status with back-to-back away wins but have struggled for victories at Turf Moor.

Saturday’s defeat to Leeds stretched their winless home league run to nine games – a record for the club in the top-flight.

Another Hat-Trick For Awards Winner Wood - Image 3

However, Burnley have picked up five draws in that run stretching back to a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa in January which gave them successive league wins for the only time this season thanks to a 1-0 victory at Liverpool in their previous outing.

Liverpool have revived their top-four ambitions following a mid-season slump with a three-match winning run - their best of the season.

The Reds are unbeaten in eight Premier League games wrapped around a Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

The Merseysiders have won their last two away fixtures – including Sunday’s last-gasp victory at West Bromwich Albion when the winning goal came from goalkeeper Alisson.

A win at Turf Moor would lift Liverpool above Leicester into fourth place in the table with one game to go against Crystal Palace on Sunday to secure Champions League football.

Opposition camp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: “Of course, we are looking forward to the game with Burnley. It's a different mindset, it's a different mood but we know how tough it will be.

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“[It will be] the first time for ages with supporters in the stadium at Turf Moor; Sean Dyche, a proper competitive guy, the team lost against Leeds so they will want to strike back and all these kind of things.

“Burnley are really good and difficult to play, super attitude and in front of their own supporters and all these kind of things. Could it be more tricky? I'm not sure, to be honest! But that's now how it is.

“It will be a tough one but qualifying for the Champions League should be tough, so I have no problem with that. We just have to make sure that we are ready. We have to bring all you need on the pitch again.”

Match stats

Burnley last did the double over Liverpool in the 1929/30 season.

The last time Burnley beat the reigning top-flight champions home and away came against Arsenal in 1953/54.

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The Clarets have beaten the reigning Premier League champions five times; 2009 Manchester United, 2015 Manchester City, 2017 Leicester City, 2017 Chelsea and 2021 Liverpool.

Captain Ben Mee will make his 352nd Burnley appearance. That takes him alongside Paul Fletcher and Joe Taylor and into the top 20 of the all-time list for most appearances for the club.

If he plays, Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell will make his 50th English league and cup appearance.

Kick-off

Wednesday, 8.15pm

Referee

Chris Kavanagh

VAR

Paul Tierney

Broadcast

Join us for live audio commentary with Phil Bird and special guest Sam Aston (Chesney from Coronation Street) on Clarets+ for only £1! Subscribe here.

There is also TV coverage on Sky Sports.

ATTENDING THE GAME? Click here for information about arrival times and entrances.