It sound weird, but yes, the English giants are bracing for the club’s attendance record in today’s game against relegation struggles Burnley. Thanks to their overwhelming support, but also due to the expanded stadium, the Reds hold the 6th place in terms of attendance in the Premier League. Other five clubs have bigger stadiums, thus bigger attendance (Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City), but Liverpool are looking forward to more spectators, and it starts with Burnley. The Clarets are currently only three points above the last place in the league (Sheffield United have that honor) and have managed only three wins all season. As guests they have managed two out of those three wins, so coach Jurgen Klopp calls this game a ‘potential banana skin’ and warns his players.The moment the first spade went in the ground on Liverpool’s Anfield Road expansion project, September 30, 2021. Tomorrow, it plays host to 60,000 fans and the biggest-ever crowd for a league game. pic.twitter.com/AQT0qgxvf8— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) February 9, 2024 But the main theme about this game will be the fans. Safety permission has been granted for an extra 2,421 fans in the upper tier of the new Anfield Road stand for the visit of Burnley, taking the capacity to 60,725. Liverpool’s record attendance for a league game is 58,757, against Chelsea in 1949. And the German tactician sees this as another opportunity for his players to shine.“We can introduce and welcome more people and that’s great. Let’s create a special atmosphere. The team want to show a reaction and if the people want to help, that would be really helpful. We should forget where Burnley are in the relegation zone. That only gives the potential for a banana skin”.Former Liverpool striker: “Klopp is unique, but Xabi Alonso would be a fantastic replacement”As always, Klopp has to count on injuries when putting together the team. Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah are unavailable but Wataru Endo is back after returning from the Asian Cup and could feature. New Liverpool star Conor Bradley was about to take Alexander-Arnold’s place on the right back position, but he was struck with a family tragedy, as his father passed away. So, Klopp has to put in Trent, even thou he is not 100%.“The boy is with his family and that’s the best place. He gets as long as he needs. I think from next week he will be back in training but we wait and see. There’s no rush from us. Trent will benefit from the two games he’s had and a full week’s training. We had no alternative but to take him off at Arsenal. It was a difficult half for us and Trent. You can’t tell players coming back, “OK, play 90, 90, 90”. We have to be careful” said Klopp.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 24Saturday 15.30: (1.22) Man.City (6.50) Everton (12.0)18.00: (1.80) Luton (3.70) Sheffield Utd (5.00)18.00: (1.17) Liverpool (8.00) Burnley (14.0)18:00: (2.45) Fulham (3.50) Bournemouth (3.00)18:00: (2.10) Wolverhampton (3.45) Brentford (3.50)18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (4.20) Brighton (3.90)20.30: (3.60) Nott.Forest (3.60) Newcastle (2.15)Sunday 17.00: (6.25) West Ham (4.10) Arsenal (1.60)19.30: (2.20) Aston Villa (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.40)Monday 23.00: (4.40) Crystal Palace (3.50) Chelsea (1.85)***odds are subject to change
