Liverpool’s Premier League title charge took a hit last weekend but the Reds will be aiming to return to winning ways when they welcome Burnley to Anfield on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men fell to a disheartening 3-1 defeat against Arsenal last time out after a string of defensive errors proved costly in north London, with Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table reduced to just two points.
The Reds know they can ill-afford any more slip-ups and nothing but a victory will be tolerated against 19th-placed Burnley. The Clarets are already seven points off safety and even a Liverpool side without the injured Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai should have more than enough in the tank to claim victory this weekend.
Here’s how Klopp could line his Liverpool side up against Burnley.
GK: Alisson – Despite a torrid display against Arsenal last time out, the Brazilian remains one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Nothing more than a bad day at the office.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The emergence of Conor Bradley has genuinely put his place at right-back in jeopardy, with the Englishman perhaps moving into midfield permanently in the foreseeable future.
CB: Jarell Quansah – The suspension of Ibrahima Konate and injury to Joel Matip means the youngster is a shoo-in to start on Saturday. Quansah has embraced every opportunity handed to him so far.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool captain was arguably responsible for all three goals the Reds conceded at Arsenal, but, similarly to Alisson, it was likely a one-off display.
LB: Joe Gomez – The defender has been so impressive filling in at full-back this season that Andy Robertson will struggle to get his place back in the side.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – Injury to Szoboszlai means Klopp may have to get slightly creative in midfield, potentially pushing Mac Allister further forward. The World Cup winner has been impressive in the holding role recently, but his best position is still likely as a number eight.
CM: Wataru Endo – Sitting in the base of midfield, the returning Endo could find his way straight back into the starting lineup. The Japan international was in terrific form prior to jetting off to Qatar for the Asian Cup.
CM: Curtis Jones – With Thiago Alcantara back fit again, all of Liverpool’s midfielders will need to maintain a high level to keep their places. However, Jones has been fantastic this term and is now a guaranteed starter for the Reds.
RW: Luis Diaz – The absence of Salah has pushed Diaz into a slightly unorthodox position on the right flank. While still not at his blistering best, the Colombian has been much improved since the turn of the year.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Liverpool desperately missed his presence against Arsenal, the Uruguayan only a substitute at the Emirates due to a slight foot injury. With Cody Gakpo out of sorts at the moment, ‘Captain Chaos’ is needed to inject some life into the front line.
LW: Diogo Jota – Liverpool’s supreme sharpshooter has been in goalscoring mood since returning from injury on Boxing Day. His ability to move freely across the attacking line makes him a superb asset for Klopp.
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