A Return to the Champions League after 3 years ended with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Seville. Bad day at the office. Retrospectively, a draw against Seville is not the end of the world. But, in the midst of the heated debates of Defender’s brain fart moments (That’s you Lovren), Polar Midfield and a superb front three or not, We find ourselves staring at the weekend’s match when Burnley visits Anfield.

The Clarets were handed a daunting looking start to the campaign when the fixtures were released in June, facing five of last season’s top six in their first five away games of the season.

But so far Burnley have relished the challenge, beating champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before securing a draw against Tottenham at Wembley.

Burnley was very lucky to win 1-0 against Crystal Palace last weekend, as the Eagles missed loads of chances in a game that they should have put to bed. Burnley are unbeaten away from home this season, following up their stunning opening day win at Stamford Bridge with a late equalizer at Wembley to take a point against Tottenham Hotspur

Burnley does look a different team this season and it is apparent in their results. I got an opportunity to have a chat with a Clarets fan to understand more about our next opponent

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Koma: A great start to the season for Burnley, especially the coveted away win and that too against Chelsea. What do you think Dyche has changed this season?

OC: Our Away form with a win and a draw so we are unbeaten away so far having played the top two of last season! We have almost as many points now as we had all season away last year. My thoughts are he has replaced Andre Gray several times over so we now pose different threats up front, he has upgraded a few positions in midfield and brought younger players like Tarkowski that have been developing into the team. Jack Cork has been a good buy, Defour has made up with Sean and after not giving his all last season, has become a reformed man. We have gone very Irish too. We can now play 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 and will do both probably. He has also developed a new training facility to help develop talent in the way we used to in the 50s and 60s. Equally, he hasn’t changed the work ethic, the focus on the group and our hard to break down defense.

TD: We now have a midfield who will improve our ball retention so we are beginning to look more attractive. Although, under Dyche, it will be a long time before we are described as an attractive side to watch. Dyche has copied the old Liverpool way of making players wait for a place in the first team. He is incredibly loyal and new players have to wait for either player to leave or until they have shown enough to play the Dyche way. That hasn’t changed and won’t. He is a manager who doesn’t waver from how he believes the game should be played.

Koma: Tom Heaton has always performed brilliantly against Liverpool but now that he is injured, how do you think young Nick Pope will cope?

OC: Nick Pope came as a prospective future international and will cope no problem. He’s bigger than Tom too. Ask Benteke

TD: Tom Heaton will be a big miss and for me, it’s going to be all down to Nick Pope’s nerve. Pope has the full backing of the defense which is important.

Koma: Chris Wood has been a revelation hasn’t he? Any other player Liverpool should be afraid of?

OC: Chris Wood is a natural goal scorer and creates chances but we have yet to see him create much for others, as it’s early days. Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes cause defenses a lot of trouble too. They can both score and create chances. Watch out for Defour and Brady’s free kicks.

TD: Chris Wood has made the start all strikers wish for, scoring early goals to settle himself down and win over the fans. You know what strikers are like when they are on a run of scoring goals.

Koma: Burnley surprised us during the start of last season. At home What should be, as per your opinion, be the best approach against Klopp’s Liverpool?

OC: I guess we will let you have most possession and try to contain your forwards and midfield, hit you on the break, though your defense is shaky and prone to errors as happened at the Turf. So expect some pressure if you pass back to the keeper.

TD: Dyche will stride purposely towards Klopp, give him a warm handshake with a smile then shake hands with Klopp’s backroom staff. He will then move into his box and not look at Klopp until repeating the same procedure at the end of the game. Liverpool will be given no special preparation.

Koma: Special Mention to Jon Walters. That monster has almost always scored against Liverpool for Stoke. How has he been this Season for your team?

OC: Walters looked good and scored a few in pre season, but hasn’t done much or had much game time in the PL though he should have scored an equalizer against WBA. I like him and if he an put the hex on you again, that would be great.

TD: I hope Jon Walters plays some part in the game then

Koma: What is the biggest threat for Burnley against Liverpool and how would you tackle that if you were Sean Dyche?

OC: Your attack could run rings round us and Firmino seems the one to contain, though it’s good Mane is out, Coutinho seems back in favor and if he is fit will be a problem. Tarkowski and Mee seem to stop most attackers though.

TD: I would probably say pace and 25-yard shots

Koma: What is your prediction for the game?

OC: I predicted a 2-1 win for us but realistically expect a draw. It largely depends on which Liverpool turns up, the team against Arsenal of the one that lost to City. We played well in the last 15 against Spurs and first half v Chelsea, we need to see that rather than the poor display we had vs Palace.

TD: Liverpool will score and concede. 😀

Koma: Where do you see Burnley at the end of the season

OC: I think we should be around 10th if we can maintain the home form of last year and keep up our away form.

TD: Burnley will escape relegation

Koma: Any other thoughts?

OC: We seem to have some impact on the managers on teams playing against us, with Wenger Mourinho sent to the stands and deBoer losing his job. A few players have been sent off against us too so beware! We may well clip Klopps wings

I would like to thank Oldcolner (OC) and Thedonz (TD) from Turfites Talk for their answers.