The Andy Payton column

WHAT better way to start the year than seeing a Premiership giant roll up at Turf Moor?

Liverpool arrive with a reputation, but not necessarily the resources they have had in recent history.

No-one would ever accuse them of being one-man team, but there's no doubt in my mind that they would be also-rans without Steven Gerrard.

Along with Chelsea's Frank Lampard, he is unquestionably the best midfielder in English football at present and how to stop him becomes Steve Cotterill's biggest problem.

Well how about pitching Richard Chaplow back into the heat of battle and then standing back to watch the fireworks fly?

Chaplow is only just regaining his fitness after a knee scare, but Micah Hyde's suspension could hand Burnley's teenage sensation the chance to pit his wits against the best.

At the moment, you can't even mention the two midfielders in the same breath. Gerrard is the backbone of not just the Liverpool side, but also England.

Chaplow, meanwhile, is merely potential; a player still being carefully moulded into what everyone at Burnley hopes will become a fully-fledged Premiership star and international.

So if the manager gives the teenager the nod on Friday night, he should take to the pitch, look Gerrard squarely in the eyes and give it absolutely everything he has got.

There will be a huge national TV audience - maybe even Sven himself watching while cuddling up to Nancy or whoever on his sofa!

Richard is never going to get a better chance to learn what he will need to become a top midfielder, but that won't faze him.

He is in the similar mould, I know he believes he has the potential and he certainly won't have any fear at facing the Anfield playmaker.

So on an eagerly awaited evening not to be missed, their midfield scrap could be the one to keep your eyes on.

I'm certainly optimistic about Burnley's chances of causing a cup upset. Every year someone grabs the glory so, with Steve turning Burnley into a tough nut to crack, why can't it be us?

All the pressure is on Liverpool as Burnley take to the pitch to see international after international occupying the opposition ranks.

But they will have done their homework and know they won't find it easy against one of the best defences outside the top flight.

Aston Villa found life tough at the Turf, so if it's a prediction you are after, why not go for a 1-0 Burnley win?

Laugh if you want, but stranger things have happened.