Scott Parker has delivered his message loud and clear ahead of Burnley’s trip to Anfield: bold performances will be rewarded, no matter the opposition. After a much-needed 5–1 FA Cup victory over Millwall — one of the Clarets’ most expressive displays in months — Parker insists that performance levels must carry into their Premier League challenge against Liverpool this Saturday.
“We’ve shown what we’re capable of,” Parker said in his pre-match press conference. “The confidence around the place has risen and we want to take that into a game where we need to be brave and disciplined.”
Burnley’s FA Cup romp underlined attacking intent and sharper transitions that have too often been absent in league play — an 11-match winless stretch that continues to hang over their survival hopes.
But Burnley’s manager has been careful not to let momentum become complacency.
“We’re under no illusions about how difficult this is,” Parker added. “But belief and standards matter as much as results.”
Burnley: Grit, goals and growing confidence
Burnley’s FA Cup victory wasn’t just a result — it was a spectacle. A 5–1 scoreline backed by positivity in possession and incisive attacking play showed what the Clarets can do when they commit fully going forward.
Axel Tuanzebe, recently back from Africa Cup of Nations duties with the Democratic Republic of Congo, was listed among those available in the Millwall tie and could be influential at the back on Saturday. His experience and presence give Parker options in defence that were lacking earlier in the campaign.
“Getting players back and competitive is something that helps us,” Parker said, without overstating expectations but underlining how crucial squad depth will be against a side that dominate possession.
Keeping focus on fundamentals — organisation, intensity and discipline — could be the difference between a heavy defeat and a performance Burnley fans remember.
Liverpool: Unbeaten but demanding more from themselves
At the other end of the pitch this weekend stand Liverpool — a club used to dominance, yet one searching for polish in areas that matter most.
Arne Slot’s side arrive unbeaten in 11 games across competitions, but a run of drawn matches has sharpened his message: possession is only valuable if it leads to goals.
“Ideally it’s not 11 games unbeaten — it’s 11 wins,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference. “We have to turn control into cutting chances and results.”
Slot also addressed the return of Mohamed Salah from Africa Cup of Nations duty, confirming that the forward is close to reintegration and will give Liverpool an immediate boost in attacking quality.
“We’re happy to have him back,” Slot said. “He’s an important player for us and always gives the team something different.”
Squad news and tactical nuances
Slot confirmed Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns, although several long-term absentees remain sidelined. He hinted at rotation but stressed that standards would not dip, regardless of personnel.
Burnley, meanwhile, continue to assess the fitness of several players following a demanding cup schedule. Tuanzebe’s return gives Parker an additional option in defence, while competition for places in midfield and wide areas has intensified following the Millwall performance.
“These games demand everyone,” Parker said. “You need your squad ready, mentally and physically.”
Tactical battle: Low blocks meet relentless possession
Liverpool are expected to dominate possession at Anfield, controlling territory and pushing Burnley deep. Slot’s side average some of the highest possession figures in the league, but patience has been required in recent weeks to break down compact defences.
Burnley are likely to adopt a disciplined, low-block structure, aiming to frustrate Liverpool and strike on the counter when opportunities arise. Set-pieces and transitions may provide their clearest route to goal.
Tuanzebe’s composure, along with Burnley’s ability to stay compact between the lines, will be key if the visitors are to withstand prolonged pressure.
History, pressure and belief
History heavily favours Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, where Burnley victories have been rare. But Parker is adamant that his side cannot be guided by the past.
“History doesn’t play the game,” he said. “The players do.”
For Burnley, this fixture represents an opportunity to show that their FA Cup performance was not an outlier, but a platform. For Liverpool, it is about turning control into conviction and reinforcing their push near the top end of the table.
Anfield will demand intensity, resilience and belief. Burnley know the scale of the task — but under Parker, they are determined not to shrink from it.
