Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Burnley as Arne Slot is expected to bench his ‘best’ signing
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Liverpool face Burnley away from home on Sunday, as the Premier League leaders look to maintain their perfect run against the newly promoted side.
The Reds have had some rocky moments at the start of the season, with a two-goal deficit at home to Bournemouth overturned by Federico Chiesa’s brilliance and a narrow win snatched against Newcastle United from a Rio Ngumoha late winner.
A victory over last season’s title rivals Arsenal at Anfield was a cagey affair, which was saved by a sublime free-kick to keep the 100% record and the first clean sheet of the season.
Scott Parker’s side have had a mixed start to life back in the top-flight with a victory over Sunderland sandwiched between defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, with the latter a 3-2 thriller which was anyone’s game.
Arne Slot hopes his team will be victorious tomorrow afternoon at Turf Moor, but a more convincing display is needed to convince the opposition that they will become back-to-back title holders.
Here’s the XI we expect to see Slot pick.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
A clean sheet is a must after conceding four goals in the opening three fixtures.
So it has to be Alisson Becker who prevents this difficult Burnley side from sticking one in the net for his second clean sheet this season.
The match will also see the return of Jeremie Frimpong to the starting side after missing the last two games following an injury at Bournemouth, with the Dutchman returning to first-team training yesterday.
Ibrahima Konate will keep his place in the side despite Real Madrid’s interest in the £40 million player and Joe Gomez’s impressive shift off the bench, due to the Frenchman having two solid performances for his country during the international break – hopefully, he can bring that form back with him.
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There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the captain Virgil van Dijk will be leading the line for his side with his usual calmness.
Milos Kerkez will feature on the left-hand side of the defence after his dominant performance against the Gunners last time out, by locking down Noni Madueke.
It is fortunate for the Dutch coach that he only has one injury in the centre of the park with Curtis Jones out following a knock on his travels with the England squad.
There will be one return to the midfield with Dominic Szoboszlai finding himself back in his natural position after shifts at right back, which were unbelievable performances from the Hungarian.
Ryan Gravenberch will be alongside Szoboszlai once again in a partnership that has been incredibly fruitful for the side.
There will be an opportunity for Florian Wirtz to try and put his past performances behind him, as he is expected to start after a solid international break performance for Germany.
Even though Alexis Mac Allister has performed well in recent fixtures, he is still struggling with his fitness, so he will not be able to start this game.
While Alexander Isak has now joined the club after a deadline day deal was struck with his former club, Isak is not expected to be at full strength to start this game.
It may be a while until we see the Swedish striker play a full game or even start for the club, but a cameo appearance off the bench could be likely for the record-breaking signing.
Instead, it will be his competition for the season, Hugo Ekitike, who will be looking to add to his goal tally after impressing in his first three starts for the club.
Accompanying Ekitike will be Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side, looking to get off the mark this season, and Cody Gakpo on the left, hoping to continue his great form from the beginning of the season.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Burnley