Liverpool vs. Burnley: All Eyes on Rising Star Ekitike as Reds Prepare Explosive Lineup
Liverpool are seeking their inaugural Premier League win of the new calendar year as they welcome Burnley to Anfield.
The Merseyside club have managed only draws against Leeds United and Fulham before their creditable deadlock away to table-toppers Arsenal, maintaining their fourth-place position by a narrow margin. They did secure their opening victory of 2026 on Monday with a triumph over Barnsley in the FA Cup, though the performance wasn't entirely persuasive despite the 4–1 result.
Arne Slot deployed a strong team for the FA Cup third round encounter but is expected to field an even more formidable XI against Burnley. The Dutch manager faces several unavailable players in defense and attack, yet he possesses considerable talent throughout his squad.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Burnley (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper anticipates a comfortable afternoon facing the relegation candidates, though Liverpool's occasional lapses in focus suggest he'll likely face some action.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Frimpong netted his first goal since the Community Shield during Liverpool's cup success and whether deployed at right-back or right wing, the Dutch player has delivered solid performances recently.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Joe Gomez proved an unreliable partner alongside Virgil van Dijk on Monday and Konaté's comeback should provide enhanced solidity—though the French defender has scarcely instilled confidence throughout much of the campaign.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—At 34 years of age, Van Dijk would have preferred a break in the FA Cup against League One opposition, but Liverpool's shortage of defensive alternatives means the Dutch captain cannot be given time off.
LB: Milos Kerkez—Andy Robertson has expressed dissatisfaction regarding his limited playing time as the Scottish player's future remains unclear beyond this season, but Kerkez should return to the starting lineup after being rested in the cup.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch was utilized only as a replacement on Monday evening and should be fully refreshed for the weekend's match. He will be responsible for preventing Burnley's counter-attacking opportunities.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister delivered two assists against Barnsley following an excellent display at Arsenal. Liverpool require the Argentine midfielder to establish some rhythm during this vital phase of the season.
AM: Florian Wirtz—Wirtz is beginning to demonstrate his exceptional talent on Merseyside. An elegant finish and precise assist from the substitutes' bench against Barnsley means he's now recorded five goal contributions across his previous six appearances.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—With Mohamed Salah still away on international commitments before Egypt's third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations and Frimpong needed at right-back, Szoboszlai looks set to resume a more unconventional wide position.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Ekitiké bounced back from injury with a goal and assist against Barnsley and should provide the Reds with some essential sharpness in the attacking third. With the injured Alexander Isak unavailable, it's vital the French striker remains healthy.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Gakpo has faced criticism for his lack of variation this season, with the Dutch winger becoming increasingly straightforward to neutralize as he consistently tries to drift inward. Liverpool require greater output from the wide player moving ahead.
