Burnley host Liverpool in their first match of 2018 as the Reds look to maintain pressure on those above them, with the race for the top 4 heating up.
Jurgen Klopp’s side has banged in 14 goals from their last four games, and are expected to continue their hot streak in front of goal when they visit Turf Moor. Mohamed Salah’s second-half brace gave Liverpool a vital victory over the weekend against Leicester.
But, the Reds will have to cope without their star attacker, with the Egyptian facing up to two weeks on the sidelines following injury suffered against Leicester. A victory could see Liverpool go level on points with Manchester United, who play Everton later in the evening.
With the match against Manchester City in less than a fortnight, Salah is expected to be rested due to the injury he’s recovering from. Jordan Henderson, who suffered a hamstring injury against Arsenal two weeks ago, has been sidelined for as much as four weeks.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was on the score sheet in Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over Swansea City, and is expected to start in place of Philippe Coutinho, who is likely to be rested. Simon Mignolet is expected to start between the sticks for the Reds, with the Belgian the designated Premier League goalkeeper.
Jurgen Klopp will be without the services of Adam Bogan, Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno, who are all injured. New £75 million signing, Virgil Van Dijk, is ineligible to play as he couldn’t be registered on time.
The former Southampton defender officially became a Liverpool player upon the opening of the January transfer window and has admitted that a chance to work with Jurgen Klopp convinced him to make a move to the Anfield.
With the Dutchman unable to start, Dejan Lovren is expected to start at the heart of the Liverpool defence alongside Joel Matip, before van Dijk makes his belated debut. Joe Gomez and Andrew Robertson should start as the full-backs.
Dominic Solanke could start in place of the injured Salah lining up alongside Roberto Firmino in attack. The ex-Chelsea player hasn’t opened his account in the league yet, but Klopp is hopeful of the 20-year-old finally breaking his duck soon. Sadio Mane should be the third man in attack, with the Senegalese winger starting to find some form after an extended lull.
