Liverpool's Predicted Lineup vs. Burnley: A Decision to be Made on the Right Wing
Arne Slot is poised to bring back Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike for Liverpool's home match against Burnley, but he faces a crucial decision regarding the right-hand side of the pitch. After a solid performance against Barnsley in the FA Cup, Liverpool aims to extend their unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
With 11 games without a loss, the Reds are still trailing the league leaders, Arsenal, by 14 points, and the two teams in between, Aston Villa and Manchester City, by eight points. A win over Burnley would keep the pressure on Villa and help Liverpool secure a spot in the top four.
Slot's lineup for the match against Burnley is expected to feature five changes from the FA Cup side.
Three players who played the full 90 minutes against Barnsley might be rested: Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo. Gakpo is likely to be replaced by Florian Wirtz on the left wing, while Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha could make way for Jeremie Frimpong, who will move forward from right-back, and Hugo Ekitike.
This move would see Joe Gomez shift to right-back, having played only an hour against Barnsley, while Milos Kerkez and Ryan Gravenberch could come in for Robertson and Jones.
The predicted lineup would be: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitike.
However, there are alternative strategies, especially if Gomez's recent hamstring injury makes it challenging for him to start two games in a week. Dominik Szoboszlai's versatility could allow him to play on the right wing, with Frimpong staying at right-back.
In this scenario, Jones could retain his place in a midfield alongside Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. The lineup would then be: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.
This adjustment would keep Gakpo out of the starting lineup, but Slot has shown his trust in the Dutch player, starting him in the last three games due to Ekitike's absence.
Despite the setback of Bradley's season-ending knee injury, Liverpool's squad depth is improving, and the return of Mohamed Salah next week will further strengthen the team.
Slot's decision on the right wing will be pivotal in shaping Liverpool's performance against Burnley and their pursuit of a top-four finish.
