Liverpool fans, brace yourselves! The question isn't if Liverpool can beat Burnley, but how decisively they'll do it. Arne Slot is heavily favored to bring back Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike for the crucial home game against Burnley. But here's the kicker: Slot faces a serious selection headache on the right wing, and the decision he makes there could be the difference between a comfortable win and a frustrating draw.
After a hard-fought FA Cup victory against a resilient Barnsley, Liverpool returns to Premier League action this Saturday, hungry to extend their impressive 11-game unbeaten streak. However, despite the positive momentum, the Reds still have ground to cover, trailing Arsenal by a significant 14 points and sitting eight points behind both Aston Villa and Manchester City. Every game is crucial.
A victory against Burnley is non-negotiable if Liverpool wants to keep the pressure on Villa and solidify their place in the top four. Fortunately, Slot has a strong squad at his disposal for this Anfield showdown. But building the perfect lineup isn't as straightforward as it seems.
While the Barnsley win was five days prior, Slot and his medical team are carefully monitoring player fitness. The intense schedule means key players need to be managed effectively. It's predicted that three players who played a full 90 minutes against Barnsley – Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo – might be rested. That's the price of success in multiple competitions.
The anticipated changes could see Florian Wirtz replacing Gakpo on the left wing, bringing his creative spark into the attack. Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha are also expected to make way, with Jeremie Frimpong being pushed forward from right-back and Hugo Ekitike slotting into the attack. And this is the part most people miss: this tactical shift aims to maximize attacking power while maintaining defensive stability.
Moving Frimpong into a more advanced role would likely see Joe Gomez shift to right-back, having played just an hour against Barnsley. Milos Kerkez and Ryan Gravenberch could also come into the starting eleven, replacing Robertson and Jones respectively, injecting fresh energy and dynamism into the team. This showcases the depth Slot has at his disposal.
Based on these potential changes, Liverpool's predicted lineup against Burnley looks like this:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitike
But here's where it gets controversial... The lineup isn't set in stone. Other options exist, particularly if Gomez isn't deemed fit enough to start two games in quick succession after his recent hamstring injury. Fitness concerns always add a layer of complexity.
Dominik Szoboszlai's versatility could see him deployed on the right wing, with Frimpong remaining at right-back. This would open up an opportunity for Jones to retain his place in midfield alongside Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, providing a different blend of creativity and defensive work rate. It's all about finding the right balance.
That alternative lineup would look like this:
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike
This scenario would leave Gakpo on the bench. Slot has demonstrated his trust in the Dutch international, starting him in the last three games, but that was largely due to Ekitike's absence. It highlights the importance of having versatile players who can step up when needed.
Despite the setback of Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury, Liverpool's squad depth is improving significantly ahead of Mohamed Salah's highly anticipated return next week. The return of key players will give the whole squad a boost.
Ultimately, a club of Liverpool's stature should possess the squad depth to bring on players like Gakpo, Jones, and Chiesa without unduly stretching the team. This depth is crucial for competing on multiple fronts and maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season.
So, what do you think? Which lineup would you choose for the Burnley clash? Do you agree with Slot's potential changes, or would you prefer a different approach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Could a surprise tactical tweak be the key to unlocking Burnley's defense, or is a more straightforward approach the best way to secure the win? Let's discuss!
