Liverpool Team Confirmed vs Burnley: Ekitike and Wirtz Start

Liverpool FC has announced its starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026, with key decisions on Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz confirmed.[1][2][9]

Manager Arne Slot opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation: Alisson Becker in goal; defense featuring Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk in central defense, and Milos Kerkez at left-back. The midfield pivot consists of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo supporting striker Hugo Ekitike up top.[1][2][9]

This lineup sees six changes from the midweek cup win over Barnsley, bringing back stars like Alisson, Wirtz, Ekitike, Kerkez, and Gravenberch, who were rested or benched previously. Ekitike leads the attack after recent substitute appearances, while Wirtz slots into the attacking midfield role. Szoboszlai retains his place despite a recent error, potentially shifting wide.[1][2][3][9]

Mohamed Salah is absent, committed to Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff against Nigeria, returning next week per FIFA rules and Slot's confirmation.[1] Long-term injuries sideline Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni.[1][3]

Liverpool, sitting 10th with 35 points from 21 games, recently drew 0-0 at Arsenal and beat Barnsley 4-1 (goals from Szoboszlai, Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitike).[3][4] Burnley, struggling in 20th with 13 points, won 5-1 vs Millwall but miss Zian Flemming, Josh Cullen, and others due to injury; Armando Broja may lead their line.[2][3][4]

Kickoff is 3 p.m. GMT at Anfield, refereed by Andy Madley.[2] This match pits Liverpool's firepower against Burnley's resilience amid their relegation fight.

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