With a 100% record to maintain, Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Burnley as the undeniable favourites and a certain Alexander Isak lying in wait to make his debut.
Burnley vs Liverpool team news
If Burnley are anything as resolute as they were against Manchester United before the international break, then a shock may still be on the cards. Alas, there is no denying that the prospect of squaring off against the Premier League champions is a different challenge entirely to the Red Devils these days.
Whilst there's no guarantee that Scott Parker will field the same side as that cruel late defeat against Man United, injury doubts for Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts, who may join Zeki Amdouni on the treatment table, could yet force his hand.
Scott Parker-1
The Burnley boss told reporters when asked about the challenge that lies ahead in his pre-match press conference: "For us it comes down to control and courage.
“Control in how we play and react in every moment, and courage to step forward and back ourselves against the champions. We’ll need to be disciplined and composed, keep calm in certain moments. And we’ll need to be brave and believe in each other, which is something this squad has in abundance.”
As for the Premier League champions, the mood in their camp couldn't be much better. New signing Isak is finally a Liverpool player and could be in contention to receive some minutes this weekend - although Arne Slot has urged fans to be patient as he gets up to speed.
The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez could also complete their returns from injury, whilst the only fresh concern that the Reds have regards Curtis Jones.
The midfielder's injury may see Dominik Szoboszlai return to his usual role in the middle of the park rather than right-back, where he thrived against Arsenal. And, in turn, Frimpong or Conor Bradley could get themselves an immediate start after the international break.
Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker; Ekdal; Esteve; Hartman; Cullen; Ugochukwu; Larsen; Mejbri; Antony; Foster
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley; Van Dijk; Konate; Kerkez; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah; Wirtz; Gakpo; Ekitike
Burnley vs Liverpool recent results
Of course, the last time that these two sides met came in 2024 when Liverpool eased to a 3-1 victory at Anfield. Then, it was goals from the late Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez that saw the Reds wrap up all three points. This weekend, however, the Reds will need to rely on new stars to get the job done.
Burnley vs Liverpool results Competition
Liverpool 3-1 Burnley Premier League
Burnley 0-2 Liverpool Premier League
Burnley 0-1 Liverpool Premier League
Liverpool 2-0 Burnley Premier League
Burnley 0-3 Liverpool Premier League
Without a defeat against the Clarets in their last five games, Liverpool last failed to beat Burnley in 2021 when their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield came to an end in shocking fashion.
Away from head-to-head records, Burnley have endured an inconsistent start to their Premier League campaign - losing at Tottenham Hotspur, defeating Sunderland and then suffering defeat against Man United.
Liverpool, by some contrast, have won all three of their games but needed three late goals to do so. That, even if only small hope, should hand Burnley some encouragement.
Burnley vs Liverpool predictions and odds
As Premier League champions and the only side with a 100% record this season, Liverpool are undoubtedly the favourites against Burnley, with the odds reflecting that. The Reds are priced at 3/10 by the bookies, whilst the odds for Burnley to pick up a shock victory sit at 8/1 and a draw is priced at 9/2.
Although Slot's side have needed late goals to survive a number of scares this season, their visit to Turf Moor should see the return of their dominance and perhaps even the true arrival of Florian Wirtz.
Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Liverpool