It’s pressure time as Liverpool host Burnley at Anfield this Sunday, knowing well that they might take to the pitch four points behind title rivals Manchester City.
Liverpool drew 0-0 against Everton in the Merseyside derby, and that enabled the Sky Blues to move a point clear at the top of the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will not have to show their mettle and keep the heat on Manchester City as we are close to the international break.
Liverpool Team News
The Reds will have to wait on James Milner’s fitness as the former England international has a muscle issue.
Klopp was positive about Milner’s involvement against Burney, but it remains to be seen if he will feature.
Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren are unlikely to play a part, but the positive news is the former is in the final stage of his rehabilitation, while the latter just needs to build match fitness.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Everton
Defence
We don’t expect any changes at the back for the Reds who have been solid this season and have the best defence in the league.
Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip should keep their place as the two centre-halves, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson will play as the full-backs.
Against Burnley, who are likely to sit deep, expect the two full-backs to play high up the pitch and stretch play.
Alisson wasn’t troubled too much against Everton, and he’ll hope for a similar game against Burnley. The Brazilian might have to deal with a few long balls and crosses as Burley play very direct with two strikers up top.
Midfield
The perfect game for Naby Keita to start in midfield ahead of Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho.
While Fabinho and Wijnaldum will play as the central midfielders and dictate the pace of the game, Keita will be tasked with the role to unlock the Burnley defence, one that is well-drilled and likes to play a low-block.
Attack
Roberto Firmino should start after coming on as a substitute against Everton, and his return should add more fluency to the attack. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah should keep their place on the flanks.
