Liverpool News: Will Isak Start Against Burnley?

As Matchweek 3 of the 2025/26 season continues, one question lingers. Will Alexander Isak start against Burnley for Liverpool in their Premier League match on Sunday, September 14?

Alexander Isak was signed by Liverpool after a prolonged tug-of-war with Newcastle United on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.

However, with Hugo Ekitike already playing and shining as the No. 9, the path to the starting XI will not be very easy for Isak. The 25-year-old Swede might even find himself warming the bench at the start of the match against Burnley.

Will Isak Start Against Burnley As Liverpool Debut?

For Isak to start, either Ekitike or Cody Gakpo will have to sit on the bench. Arne Slot might have some apprehensions regarding Isak’s fitness and might introduce him as a substitute.

However, the Swede, who has scored 62 goals in two-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle United, should be looking to spend as much time as possible on the pitch. There is no significant worry about his fitness, and he should be wanting to start at Burnley.

Ekitike, who has three goals and an assist already for Liverpool in four matches, does not deserve to be dropped from the starting XI. He can play on the left flank as well, and might replace Gakpo there in the starting line-up. Gakpo has opened his account in terms of scoring goals this season, but has not been as impressive as Ekitike.

Hence, we can see Isak as the No. 9 and Ekitike as the left-winger in the Reds’ starting XI on Sunday. It should be a handful for a promoted side like Burnley.

Will Liverpool Play With a 4-4-2?

There is another option for Slot to accommodate both Isak and Ekitike in the starting XI.

He could start his team with a 4-4-2 with Isak and Ekitike upfront. However, that will mean switching Florian Wirtz to the role of a left-sided midfielder. That will also mean that Mohamed Salah will have to drop back more often to perform defensive duties as the right-sided midfielder.

Moreover, the responsibility will be more on Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch to create attacks from the midfield in the absence of a No. 10. Liverpool will want Salah and Wirtz, probably their two most influential players, to play in their preferred positions.

Hence, Liverpool’s chances of changing their formation to a 4-4-2 are almost negligible. It should ultimately come down to a choice between Isak and Gakpo, with the former being the favourite to get the nod at the moment.

After the effort they have put into acquiring Isak, it would hardly make any sense not to start him. Gakpo and Federico Chiesa can always be used as substitutes. Liverpool have enough squad depth to make such adjustments to their playing XI at the moment.

However, the ultimate decision lies with Slot, who won the Premier League in his first season in England as a manager. Isak should prove to be a key component in their title defence and Slot will do well to keep that in mind.

Do you think we will see Alexander Isak start against Burnley?