Jurgen Klopp is likely to make a few changes to the side that started in the Merseyside derby, for Liverpool’s midweek clash against Burnley.
Liverpool will look to continue their unbeaten start in the 2018-19 Premier League season, when they face off against a struggling Burnley side at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.
Currently seated second on the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Manchester City, the Merseyside outfit will be aiming to close down the gap further with a victory against Sean Dyche’s men.
Manager Jurgen Klopp is likely to make some alterations to the starting lineup that featured in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Everton at the weekend, given the busy festive period lying ahead.
Alisson Becker is expected to continue between the sticks though for the Reds. Trent Alexander-Arnold should hold on to his spot at right-back, but Joe Gomez could be given a rest for the game, with Dejan Lovren getting the nod at the heart of the defence. Virgil van Dijk should feature from the get go once again.
There could be a change in the left-back slot, however, with Andrew Robertson a doubt to take the field having picked up an injury in the derby against Everton. Speaking of the Scotsman in his pre-match press conference, Klopp said, “With Robbo it is not that serious, but we need to have a look.”
Spanish international Alberto Moreno could be in line for a rare start in place of the former Hull City man on the left side of the Liverpool defence.
Liverpool will be boosted by the return of club captain Jordan Henderson, who was suspended for the Merseyside derby. In all likelihood, the England international should start at the base of the midfield for the Reds against the Clarets.
More changes are in the offing in the middle of the park, with James Milner who did not feature in the weekend fixture, likely to come back into the starting lineup. Summer signing Naby Keita should also be getting a run out from the kick off at Turf Moor, meaning both Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho will drop to the bench.
Sadio Mane is set to miss out for Liverpool though, after he picked up a cut on his foot in the game against the Toffees this past weekend.
“Sadio really had an awful cut on his foot. It needed to be stitched; he is OK but walking around here now in flip-flops and you don’t play in flip-flops! That means in this moment he is not ready, but we will see later.”
In Mane’s absence, Xherdan Shaqiri should slot in on the left flank, while Mohamed Salah should hold on to his spot on the right side of the attacking trident. Daniel Sturridge is likely to get the nod to spearhead the attack on Wednesday, with Roberto Firmino likely to be given a rest by the manager.
