Liverpool’s attack will be too much for Burnley – but both teams ‘too open’

As Liverpool prepare to visit Burnley this weekend, how much confidence is there from Clarets fans regarding a shock?

After the tedium of the international break, the Reds are back in action, heading to Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon.

All things point to a Liverpool win, given their status as champions and Burnley being newly-promoted, but anything is possible in the Premier League.

Ahead of the game, we spoke to Richard Steele from No Nay Never podcast (@NoNayNever) to discuss Sunday’s clash, the title race, the relegation battle and more.

How happy are you with Burnley’s start to the season?

I’m happy with the start overall.

It was a little bit of a baptism of fire against Tottenham on the opening weekend, but we played very well to beat Sunderland.

In the second half away to Man United, we matched them and were unlucky with VAR not to get a draw.

Talk us through the main positives and negatives to date?

The positives are that we are scoring goals, and Lyle Foster has started the season very well.

But the main negative is that we look too open at times.

If we play like we did in the first half against United on Sunday, we will be 3-0 down at half-time against a more clinical Liverpool side.

Has Parker tweaked anything from last season in the Championship?

Scott Parker has gone with a back five at times but, in my opinion, it has left us open in midfield.

We have signed Florentino Luis from Benfica, a defensive midfielder, and Parker will be hoping he can shore things up in the middle of the park.

Are you confident of Burnley beating the drop?

It will still be difficult, but I am more confident than before a ball was kicked.

I feel we have got a squad that will be competitive, but I’m not sure we will have enough quality to quite get over the line.

How do you rate Liverpool’s start to the season?

You can’t argue with three wins, but you have looked vulnerable at the back.

I felt you were fortunate to beat Newcastle, and a worldie from Dominik Szoboszlai won you the game against Arsenal.

That said, I expect you to get better as the season goes on.

How do you think the title race will pan out?

I think Liverpool will win it again because the firepower you have will be too much.

But I do wonder if not signing Marc Guehi will come back to bite you.

Looking ahead to Sunday, where will the key battles be?

I believe that if Burnley can tighten up in the midfield, we can be competitive.

I just hope we can keep it tight early on and stay in the game, but I feel Liverpool’s attacking threat will be too much for our defence.

Finally, what’s your prediction?

I would love Burnley to cause a surprise, but I will go 3-1 to Liverpool.