Liverpool’s defensive frailties came back to haunt them yet again in their Champions League encounter against Sevilla on Wednesday as they failed to take more than just a point, even after dominating the game for most of the night. They also faced an embarrassing defeat at the Etihad last weekend in the Premier League and will look to bounce back this weekend when they welcome a Burnley side who have made a decent start to the league campaign.
Sean Dyche’s side stole points from Tottenham Hotspur and even Chelsea and will want to do the same at Anfield. But they will face a tough Liverpool side, that will take nothing less than three points.
Team News
In early team news, Liverpool are still without the English pair Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne, who are not expected to return anytime soon. Talisman Sadio Mane is out with a suspension while Danny Ings is finally back in full training. However, he may struggle to find a place on the bench.
Expected lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Loris Karius was decent on goal against Sevilla and should be the first choice for the UCL games, leaving Simon Mignolet as the first choice shot-stopper for the league. He should start behind a back-4 that might not see too many changes from the midweek game.
While Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren are expected to be partnered at CB again, even after a poor display against Sevilla, Alberto Moreno looked a completely new player and should start at left-back.
Young Joe Gomez was sent off late in that game but is not suspended for this tie. However, Klopp should stick with young Trent Alexandre-Arnold at right back.
Midfield
With a passing accuracy of just 66%, skipper Jordan Henderson had a nightmare in the midfield on Wednesday but lack of options should see him start as the deepest of the midfielders in this game as well.
He should be partnered by Emre Can, who needs to step up his game and Georginio Wijnaldum, who will have to play a huge role, if Liverpool are to take anything from this game.
Attack
Star playmaker Philippe Coutinho is back in the squad and got just under 20 minutes under his belt against Sevilla, he is expected to play a similar role this weekend as well, giving English ace Daniel Sturridge a chance to lead the line for the Reds.
Sturridge also got a few minutes in the midweek game and will be up for the challenge at Anfield. This should see Roberto Firmino, who missed a penalty in the previous game, pushed onto the left flank with Mohamed Salah, who has been in sensational form, keeping his place on the right side of the attack.
Ragnar Klavan, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Philippe Coutinho and Dominic Solanke may all make the bench.
Here is how they might line up:
