Predicted Liverpool XI vs Burnley: Ekitiké Eyes Dalglish Record; Wirtz and Kerkez Start

Liverpool face Burnley at Anfield on Saturday in a crucial Premier League clash, as Arne Slot's side aim to secure their first league win of 2026 against the struggling Clarets. The Reds, currently navigating a tricky top-four race, risk making unwanted history by failing to beat all three newly-promoted teams at home this season—a first in the Premier League era after draws against Leeds and Sunderland.[1][5]

Team News and Injuries

Liverpool's squad is hit hard: Conor Bradley is out for the season with a knee injury (no ACL damage), joining Giovanni Leoni (knee), Alexander Isak (leg), and Wataru Endo (ankle) on the sidelines. Mohamed Salah remains unavailable due to AFCON commitments with Egypt, who face a third-place playoff.[3][4] Teenager Rio Ngumoha is doubtful after cramping in the FA Cup win over Barnsley.[1][5]

For Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, Ashley Barnes impressed with a brace in their FA Cup rout of Millwall but is likely benched for rested Armando Broja. Lyle Foster should recover from illness. Absences include Jordan Beyer, Josh Cullen, Zeki Amdouni, and Connor Roberts, with Zian Flemming and Joe Worrall potentially returning.[1][5]

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitiké.
Hugo Ekitiké, fresh from a goal and assist in the 4-1 Barnsley victory, leads the line, eyeing a Dalglish-like record with 8 goals this season. Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez start in a refreshed attack.[1][2][3]

Burnley (4-4-2 or 3-4-2-1): Dubravka; Laurent, Esteve, Humphreys; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Bruun Larsen/Edwards, Anthony/Mejbri; Broja.[1][2][4]

Prediction and Context

Experts predict a 2-0 Liverpool win, with Slot's possession-dominant side (61.3% avg.) breaking Burnley's low block. The Clarets, second-bottom with 13 points, frustrated Liverpool in September before a late Salah penalty.[1][2][5] Liverpool's top scorers: Ekitiké (8), Gakpo (5), Salah (4).[2]

This match tests Liverpool's patience against a defensive Burnley, but home advantage (33 wins in 55 H2H) should prevail.[6]