Liverpool Confirmed XI vs. Burnley: 6 Changes as Ekitike & Wirtz Return

Liverpool have named their starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026, making six changes from the midweek cup win over Barnsley. Manager Arne Slot brings back key players including Alisson Becker in goal, Ibrahima Konaté in defense, Milos Kerkez at left-back, Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, and attackers Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké up front.[6][1][2]

The confirmed Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké. This sees Virgil van Dijk anchor the center-back partnership with Konaté, Jeremie Frimpong at right-back covering for the injured Conor Bradley, and a strong midfield duo of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Up top, Cody Gakpo supports Ekitiké, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Wirtz providing creativity in advanced roles.[1][2][3][6]

Players dropping out include those rotated for the Barnsley match, such as backups in defense and midfield. Long-term absentees remain Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, with Mohamed Salah still sidelined from international duty but expected back soon. Rio Ngumoha is doubtful after cramp.[1][3]

Liverpool sit 10th with 35 points from 21 games, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches.[3][5] Burnley, struggling in 20th with 13 points, face injury woes: Zian Flemming, Josh Cullen, Mike Trésor, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, and Connor Roberts are out, though Joe Worrall could return.[2][4]

Recent form favors the Reds: a 4-1 cup win over Barnsley (goals from Szoboszlai, Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitiké) follows a goalless draw at Arsenal. Burnley impressed with a 5-1 win over Millwall but drew 2-2 with Manchester United.[4] Kick-off is 3 p.m. GMT at Anfield.[2]

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