Liverpool Starting XI vs Burnley: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Burnley: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Liverpool will again be without Mohamed Salah when they face Burnley, and that shapes everything about this fixture. The forward remains on international duty with Egypt, whose third-place play-off against Nigeria takes place in Tangier on Saturday. Under FIFA regulations, players must stay with their national team until the morning after their final match, which rules Salah out of contention against Burnley regardless of Liverpool’s wishes.

Slot has otherwise close to a full squad at his disposal, but that does not mean his decisions are straightforward. Three long-term absentees remain on the sidelines, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, limiting options in key areas. Even so, this is still a Liverpool side deep enough to dominate possession and dictate tempo at home.

Right back puzzle

With Bradley unavailable, Slot must again get creative on the right side of defence. Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to make the teamsheet despite a costly mistake in the previous outing at Anfield, yet where he actually plays is open to debate.

The Hungarian could continue to fill in at right back, a role that does not come naturally to him but offers balance and ball progression. Another possibility sees Jeremie Frimpong starting in that position, allowing Szoboszlai to move further forward where his passing and pressing are more effective. There is also the option of pushing Curtis Jones into a deeper defensive role, a tactical tweak that would reshape the midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Decisions

At centre back, consistency remains Slot’s preference. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are the clear first-choice pairing, with Joe Gomez the only recognised alternative on the bench. Against Burnley, Liverpool are likely to control territory, meaning the back line must be comfortable defending high and stepping into midfield when needed.

Left back is equally intriguing. Andy Robertson played the full 90 minutes against Barnsley in the cup, yet summer signing Milos Kerkez has steadily established himself as Slot’s preferred option in the Premier League. Expect the younger full back to get the nod for this encounter, offering energy and attacking intent down the flank.

The engine room should feature Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Mac Allister started the cup tie earlier in the week before being replaced late on by the Dutchman, suggesting Slot may rotate roles rather than personnel. Their ability to control rhythm will be crucial against a Burnley side likely to defend in numbers.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike is poised to lead the line. He came on in the second half last time out, allowing Cody Gakpo to shift wide left, a configuration that worked well and should be repeated. If Szoboszlai moves out to the right, it gives Liverpool fluidity across the attacking midfield line.

Predicted Liverpool XI 4-2-3-1

Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike

Injured, Isak, Bradley, Leoni

Kick off is scheduled for 3pm GMT on Saturday, with Anfield once again the stage for Liverpool to assert their top four credentials against Burnley.