Liverpool Team vs Burnley Confirmed: Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai Decisions Made

Liverpool FC has confirmed its lineup for the Premier League clash against Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026, with key decisions on Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai headlining the team sheet under manager Arne Slot.[1][2]

Mohamed Salah remains absent due to international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he's scheduled for the third-place playoff against Nigeria. He'll return to training next week per FIFA rules.[1] Long-term injuries sideline Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, leaving Slot with a nearly full squad.[1]

The confirmed Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1) features Alisson in goal; Jeremie Frimpong at right-back; central defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk; Milos Kerkez at left-back.[1][2] Midfield anchors Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister control the engine room, with Szoboszlai starting on the right wing despite a recent error against a League One side—Slot opts to keep him there rather than shifting him to right-back or midfield.[1][2]

Up top, Hugo Ekitike leads the line as the central striker, fresh from a second-half cameo against Barnsley. Flanking him are Florian Wirtz in the No. 10 role and Cody Gakpo on the left—both return to the starting XI after rotations.[1][2] Recent form shows Ekitike with 8 goals in 18 matches, Gakpo at 5 goals, and Gravenberch contributing 4.[4]

Burnley, struggling in 20th with 13 points from 21 games, face injury woes: Zian Flemming, Josh Cullen, Mike Trésor, Jordan Beyer, Zeki Amdouni, and Connor Roberts are out. Lyle Foster is doubtful with illness, but Joe Worrall could return. Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Dúbravka; Laurent, Estève, Humphreys; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Edwards, Anthony; Broja.[2][3]

Liverpool, 5th with 35 points, seek to build on a 4-1 cup win over Barnsley (goals from Szoboszlai, Frimpong, Wirtz, Ekitike). Kickoff is 3 p.m. GMT; referee Andy Madley.[2] This matchup pits Liverpool's firepower against Burnley's resilience.[1][2][4]

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