The Liverpool Offside - Burnley vs. Liverpool: Team News, Ways to Watch, and Match PreviewZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2014-12-26T19:30:02+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/72139882014-12-26T19:30:02+00:002014-12-26T19:30:02+00:00Burnley 0, Liverpool 1: A Win is a Win is a Win
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<p>While it certainly wasn't pretty at times, Liverpool come away from a trying match against Burnley with all three points to kick off a run of three matches in seven days. </p> <blockquote>
<b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc">Burnley</a> 0</b><br>
<b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> 1</b>: Sterling 62'</blockquote>
<p>After successfully dominating <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> in possession on Sunday, <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> sent out the exact same line-up to face Burnley for a festive Boxing Day fixture that became less and less fun as the game wore on. Burnley had clearly done their homework and quickly dominated Liverpool in the opening phase of the match. </p>
<p>Burnley had a good chance in the 14th minute when <span>Brad Jones</span> was caught watching a <span>Danny Ings</span> shot that he clearly thought would go wide but that ended up hitting the post. Two minutes later, Jones was substituted having apparently sustained a non-specific injury to his thigh, allowing an out of favour and out of sorts Simon Mignolet to return to the fold at a wholly unexpected point in the game. Liverpool continued to labour against an organized Burnley side, failing to do much in midfield and ultimately getting to the half with the match still tied nil-nil. </p>
<p>The second half saw <span>Emre Can</span> substituted for Kolo Touré right from the beginning of the restart. Liverpool looked better — which wasn't necessarily saying much — and at the 62 minute mark, a through ball from <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> and a nice bit circumnavigating around Burnley keeper <span>Tom Heaton</span> saw <span>Raheem Sterling</span> slot home the game's winning and only goal. </p>
<p>Liverpool managed to not immediately concede within the next minute, and Brendan Rodgers used his third and final substitution on Rickie Lambert. Lambert didn't add much to the attack on a personal level, but his presence seemed to spark some life into <span>Adam Lallana</span>, who was less tricksy and fleet footed than he has been in recent outings. Liverpool stuck it out until the final whistle, emerging with all three points on the road in a match that they never really looked much like winning. </p>
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<p>It gets said a lot and that's probably because it's true: title winning sides are built on matches where the overall performance is unimpressive but the team still manages to grind out a win. Liverpool are not a title-challenging side this season by any stretch of the imagination, but three points are three points and winning a poorly fought game is still important for team morale, for climing the table, and for preventing fans from going off the deep end. It's not pretty, but it is necessary. </p>
<p>Raheem Sterling continued to demonstrate why he's still the best player on the team at the tender age of twenty, with the elderly-by-comparison Philippe Coutinho also putting in a positive performance. Though he only played half the match, Emre Can was also a standout despite being shoehorned into a CB position that he has little experience in at the senior level. <span>Steven Gerrard</span> was unremarkable, and poor <span>Jordan Henderson</span> continued to struggle. </p>
<p>Most of the challenges in retaining possession in midfield will be overlooked due to the match's biggest talking point, which was once again revolved around the goalkeepers. Brad Jones was positively statuesque on the Ings shot that hit the post, which could be seen as an improvement over diving the wrong way on a shot. His rapid substitution seemed connected to this poorly judged moment, but Jones allegedly sustained a thigh injury that required him to come out of the game. </p>
<p>It was <span>Simon Mignolet's</span> chance to return to the side and demonstrate the effect his Rodgers-imposed time off had on his confidence. Unfortunately, Mignolet didn't look any better than he had prior to being benched, and in places seemed worse, including an oddly uncharacteristic moment where he played a ball out for a corner. Barring the grounds team using invisible chalk on the goal line, there's little to explain that particular brain lapse. </p>
<p>It was an unsatisfying match to win, and Burnley will feel hard done by to not have earned at least a point at home against a lethargic Liverpool side. But as Liverpool continue to plow through a busy fixture list, it's three points earned in the first of three matches where all nine should be there for the taking. Brendan Rodgers continues to have lots of questions to ask of his side, especially when it comes to whatever it is that's happening between the posts, but he won't have much time to find answers before Liverpool face Swansea on Monday. </p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-match-coverage/2014/12/26/7451181/burnley-0-liverpool-1-a-win-is-a-win-is-a-win-silver-linings-etcStitch Invader2014-12-26T17:34:18+00:002014-12-26T17:34:18+00:00Burnley 0, Liverpool 1: Rank the Performances
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<p>With an ugly win against Burnley in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p>There were no changes to the Liverpool side that faced Arsenal on Sunday in Brendan Rodgers' line-up versus Burnley, but the quality of play could not have been more different. Liverpool took all three points thanks to a Raheem Sterling goal in the second half, but it won't be enough to disguise some truly terribly play during the first half nor the fact that the players looked generally lifeless and disinterested for much of the game. Brendan Rodgers will have some work cut out for him before Liverpool meet Swansea on Monday.</p>
<p>Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list-or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p>At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. </p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/26/7450579/burnley-0-liverpool-1-rank-the-performancesStitch Invader2014-12-26T16:55:01+00:002014-12-26T16:55:01+00:00Burnley 0, Liverpool 1: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Pay up. | Bryn Lennon/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In the first match of three in quick succession, Liverpool emerged victorious at Turf Moor with an unconvincing performance.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="liverpool blog fc sbn"></p>
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<p><b>Burnley 0 </b><br><b>Liverpool 1</b> <i>Sterling 62'</i></p>
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<li>Liverpool continued with the same formation of recovery that brought improved performances against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, Bournemouth, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>. While the results weren't wholly satisfactory, this Liverpool side appeared familiar as chances were created with movement and speed while defensive mistakes undermined good work further up the field. <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> named an unchanged line-up and Sheyi Ojo was a surprise figure on the bench. <span>Mario Balotelli</span> returned to the squad after his injury and benevolent ban.<br><br> </li>
<li>The first fifteen minutes were fairly open with Liverpool finding some space on the counter and Burnley enjoying space in front of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> defenders. Martin Skrtel's error allowed <span>Danny Ings</span> to shoot and the Burnley striker hit the post. <span>Brad Jones</span> suffered a thigh injury during that passage of play and Simon Mignolet's exile was ended. He got himself into some trouble in possession <br><br> </li>
<li>Burnley hitting the woodwork signalled a change in the game as the home side was mostly dominant from then. Apart from Adam Lallana's saved shot from a counter was the only joy Liverpool as the home side created enough chances to lead by half-time. Liverpool's response to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc">Burnley's</a> attacks was to quickly give the ball away whenever possession was regained so that the relegation battlers could build another attack.<br><br> </li>
<li> Brendan Rodgers was probably thankful that Liverpool could start the second half on level terms with Burnley and with Manchester United, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> all winning, he needed to make changes to ensure that Liverpool wouldn't fall further behind the teams ahead of them. Liverpool seemed slow and deep in midfield and Burnley regularly exposed the visitors on the flanks. The hallowed intensity that seemed to return to the side was absent and a repeat of the first half would only bring defeat for the away side.<br><br> </li>
<li> <span>Emre Can</span> replaced Kolo Touré at half time as Rodgers <strike>sought to gain more control of the game in midfield</strike> played Can as a right-sided centre back. Liverpool's defensive line was horribly deep to start the second half and Burnley set up as the side higher in the league table with a more aggressive defensive line along that was accompanied by snappier passing from back to front.<br><br> </li>
<li>Philippe Coutinho's vision combined with <span>Raheem Sterling's</span> run and finish to give Liverpool an undeserved lead. The finish from the youngster belonged to a seasoned striker and it's difficult to see any other striker apart from Sturridge being able to capitalise from Coutinho's work in the way Sterling did.<br><br> </li>
<li> Burnley pushed to find an equaliser but weren't as dangerous as they were in the first half. Liverpool had a couple of opportunities on the counter attack but elected to stay somewhat deep, fearing to cede what little was gained from going ahead.<br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool needed the three points and it was good to see Emre Can impress from the bench. Raheem Sterling continues to show how vital he is and perhaps the paymasters may need to take note that he was recognised as Europe's top youngster for a reason. Three points from three and on to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/swansea-city">Swansea City</a>.</li>
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<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/26/7447025/burnley-0-liverpool-1-match-recap-happy-holidaysCStars2014-12-26T13:00:03+00:002014-12-26T13:00:03+00:00Matchday: Burnley vs. Liverpool
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<p>Team sheets, television and streaming options, and live coverage as Liverpool go up against Arsenal at Anfield.</p> <p>Liverpool were disappointed to come away with only a draw against Arsenal after dominating the match last week, but it was at least an encouraging performance in a season that hasn’t seen enough of them. Brendan Rodgers will be looking for a similar display and better result today against a Burnley side who in their last two matches defeated Southampton at home and fought Tottenham hard in a 2-1 loss on the road.</p>
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<div align="center"> The Match</div>
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<p><strong>Full Preview:</strong> <a target="new" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/25/7445067/burnley-vs-liverpool-team-news-ways-to-watch-and-match-preview">Burnley vs. Liverpool</a></p>
<p><strong>Kickoff:</strong> 3PM GMT/10AM EST from Turf Moor</p>
<p><strong>Television:</strong> Fox Sports 1 (Australia); Sportsnet (Canada)</p>
<p><strong>Online:</strong> NBC Sports Live Extra (USA)</p>
<p><strong>Full Listings:</strong> <a target="new" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/">LiveSoccerTV</a></p>
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<div align="center"> Burnley</div>
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<p align="center"><em>Heaton<br>Trippier, Shackell, Keane, Mee<br>Arfield, Jones, Marney, Boyd<br>Barnes, Ings</em></p>
<p>Bench: Gilks, Long, Kightly, Wallace, Reid, Jutkiewicz, Vokes</p>
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<p align="center"><em>Jones<br>Toure, Skrtel, Sakho<br>Henderson, Lucas, Gerrard, Markovic<br>Coutinho, Lallana<br>Sterling</em></p>
<p>Bench: Mignolet, Lambert, Moreno, Manquillo, Can, Balotelli, Ojo</p>
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<p>If you haven’t already, sign up for an SBNation account and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a> where we'll have full coverage of every Liverpool match this season, breaking news, and tactical discussion.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/26/7449075/burnley-liverpool-2014-epl-time-tv-schedule-live-online-streamingNoel Chomyn2014-12-25T21:30:02+00:002014-12-25T21:30:02+00:00Pre-Burnley Overnight and General Open Thread
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Turf Moor and/or a place to congregate for those who are looking for a place to hang out for the rest of the day / evening / whatever time it is where you live.</p> <p>1) <span>Brad Jones</span> between the posts, or has <span>Simon Mignolet</span> learned his lesson (whatever that is)?</p>
<p>2) Three at the back or does Liverpool return to a formation that involves fullbacks playing as fullbacks?</p>
<p>3) Will Steven Gerrard get a rest?</p>
<p>4) Is this an opportunity for <span>Rickie Lambert</span> to get a start?</p>
<p>5) Final score?</p>
<p>Bonus: December 26th is known as Boxing Day in Britain and many of its former colonies, but it is also the feast day of St Stephen in western Christianity. St Stephen is, perhaps not coincidentally for Liverpool fans, the patron saint of both headaches and horses. (And casket makers.) If <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> starting eleven were suddenly canonized, what would each of them be the patron saint of?</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/25/7446959/pre-burnley-overnight-and-general-open-threadStitch Invader2014-12-25T14:30:02+00:002014-12-25T14:30:02+00:00Preview: Burnley v. Liverpool
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<p>Injury updates, television schedule, and a full preview as Liverpool head to Burnley in search of their first Premier League win in four matches.</p> <p>With the busiest stretch of the season in full swing, it's time for <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> to make some sort of run if they have it in them. Other sides in the top half are going to drop points in the next few weeks, and while Liverpool aren't guaranteed anything, they're set up well to start to pair results with performances that have been promising of late. If Brendan Rodgers is going to oversee any sort of second half heroics, it needs to start immediately, or else a Premier League campaign that started so brightly will be a write-off by the time February rolls around.</p>
<p>For now it's one match at a time and all that, though, and tomorrow that means a focus on Sean Dyche's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a>. The Lancashire side currently sit in the relegation zone on 15 points, level with QPR but six goals off the pace in terms of goal differential. This comes on the heels of vastly improved form relative to results earlier in the season; through November and December they've earned 11 of their 15 points on the strength of their first three wins of the campaign.</p>
<p>Dyche will be without <span>Stephen Ward</span>, <span>Michael Duff</span>, <span>Matthew Taylor</span>, and <span>Sam Vokes</span> into the new year, but should otherwise have a full-strength squad. In the 2-1 loss to Spurs last time out, the third-year boss went with <span>Tom Heaton</span> in goal, <span>Kieran Trippier</span>, Michael Keane, <span>Jason Shackell</span>, and <span>Ben Mee</span> across the back, <span>George Boyd</span>, <span>Dean Marney</span>, <span>David Jones</span>, and <span>Scott Arfield</span> in the midfield, and <span>Danny Ings</span> up front with <span>Ashley Barnes</span> in support.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p align="center">Jones<br> Toure Skrtel Sakho<br> Henderson Lucas Gerrard Moreno<br> Lallana Sterling Coutinho</p>
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<p>The injuries to <span>Dejan Lovren</span>, <span>Glen Johnson</span>, and <span>Joe Allen</span> will apparently keep them out tomorrow as well, meaning they'll join <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> and <span>Jon Flanagan</span> as confirmed absentees. <span>Mario Balotelli</span> is fit and has served his one-match ban, Suso is healthy and available for selection again, while <span>Fabio Borini</span> misses out after earning two yellows in quick succession on Sunday.</p>
<p>That there's been nearly a full week off should encourage Rodgers to go with a squad that's nearly identical to the one that faced <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a>. At the back there aren't really any other options unless the manager opts for a change in formation, but all signs point to the 3-4-2-1 as the way forward. The one personnel change that can happen independent of formation would be <span>Simon Mignolet</span> in for <span>Brad Jones</span>, though Rodgers' comments yesterday indicate that the Belgian won't be back just yet.</p>
<p>Another possible change is dropping Lazar Markovic to the bench in favor of <span>Javier Manquillo</span>; the young Serbian is in the best form of his Liverpool career to date but hasn't played this much in months, while Moreno has seen minutes dwindle as the formation and preferred playing staff have changed. <span>Jordan Henderson</span> will likely continue in a right wingback role despite failing to have any consistent influence since the switch. Both Lucas and <span>Steven Gerrard</span> will be rested enough to start, but let's give <span>Emre Can</span> a mention because he's got to feature at some point in the next few weeks.</p>
<p>With Balotelli back there's temptation to include him straightaway, but like Mignolet, the Italian striker found himself as the focus of comments from Rodgers that make an appearance seem unlikely. Starting him on the bench would mean another start for <span>Raheem Sterling</span> centrally, with <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> impressing of late and set to provide support yet again.</p>
<p>Kickoff is set for 3:00PM GMT/10:00AM EST on Friday, with the match apparently not being shown live in the UK and NBC Sports Live Extra carrying the match in the United States. Our coverage will continue with the overnight open thread tonight and carry into live coverage, team sheets an hour before kickoff, and post-match reaction. If you haven't already, sign up for an SBNation account and join us for it.</p>
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