How Liverpool are likely to lineup against strugglers Burnley as they look to consolidate their status in the Champions League positionsplaceholder image
How Liverpool are likely to lineup against strugglers Burnley as they look to consolidate their status in the Champions League positions | Getty Images/ Canva
How Liverpool are likely to lineup against strugglers Burnley as they look to consolidate their status in the Champions League positions
Premier League heavyweights Liverpool are aiming to continue their mid-season resurgence this weekend against Burnley at Anfield.
This run has allowed Liverpool to climb into fourth position, leapfrogging the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, who have since both sacked their managers to try and generate some sort of response.
Liverpool are hot favourites to extend their unbeaten run this weekend against a Burnley side without a win since 26 October when they defeated Wolves 3-2 at Molineux. However, nothing’s a formality with Liverpool at this moment in time, with the club drawing all of their last three Premier League matches against Arsenal, Fulham and Leeds United while failing to fully convince supporters that they are back to their imperious best.
Ahead of a big clash at Anfield which marks the start of a busy end to January, we take a look at how Liverpool are likely to line up against Burnley.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Burnley: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Alisson Becker: Liverpool’s improved run of form has directly coincided with the return of Alisson from injury, with the club losing just one of their nine league matches since his return. He’ll likely come in to replace Giorgi Mamardashvili after the Georgian’s FA Cup outing.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong: The Netherlands international has played some matches at full-back and others in a more advanced position amid Mohamed Salah’s absence. However, following Conor Bradley’s latest injury setback it seems likely Frimpong will return to the full-back role having also played there in the FA Cup.
CB: Ibrahima Konate: Frenchman Konate is likely to replace Joe Gomez in the starting lineup after being rested against Barnsley last time out. He’s seen as one of Liverpool’s first choice starters in defence.
CB: Virgil van Dijk: The skipper is expected to start in central defence as his team targets another clean sheet after containing Arsenal in the last league match.
LB: Milos Kerkez: Former Bournemouth star Kerkez comes in to replace Andy Robertson at left-back after being benched against Barnsley in the cup. He’s not quite hit the heights he did at the Vitality Stadium last term but is expected to become an important player in the coming months.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Burnley: midfield and attack
CM: Ryan Gravenberch: Netherlands international Gravenberch is expected to start in central midfield. He appeared as a late substitute against Barnsley and was given some much needed rest.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister: The Argentine made two assists against Barnsley in an impressive performance. Overall, he’s not quite hit the heights of recent seasons but will look to change that in the coming months.
RM: Dominik Szoboszlai: The Hungarian international is likely to start in central midfield. He’s been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers this term.
CAM: Florian Wirtz: German playmaker Wirtz registered a goal and an assist from the bench against Barnsley. He’ll hope to translate that into the Premier League at the weekend.
LM: Cody Gakpo: Netherlands international Gakpo is expected to feature at left-wing ahead of youngster Rio Ngumoha.
ST: Hugo Ekitike: The big-money summer signing is likely to lead the line against Burnley after returning to full fitness. It is a big call for Slot, who will not want to risk a fresh injury by restoring him to the line-up too soon.
Continue Reading