‘Super-Influential’ Midfielder Returns: Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Burnley

How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently

Alisson Becker has started in goal with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning at right-back last game. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have been the centre-backs with Joe Gomez as the left-back. Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Ryan Gravenberch form the midfield three with Harvey Elliott strangely struggling for starts recently despite having a good season.

Luis Diaz has started on the left, Diogo Jota on the right, and Darwin Nunez down the middle. However, Jota has been partial to stints at centre-forward, and Cody Gakpo has seen minutes in the side too.

Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics

Jurgen Klopp suffered a big blow in his bid for a second Premier League title at the weekend. The side lost 3-1 to Arsenal, reducing the gap between the two teams and allowing Manchester City to take the lead should they win their game in hand.

The biggest talking point was the comical failure of Alisson and van Dijk for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal (67th minute) to make it 2-1. A long ball saw a miscommunication between the usually world-class duo, and the goalkeeper missed the clearance; kicking van Dijk instead. Martinelli easily slotted the ball into an empty net.

Long balls from Arsenal had caused problems all night, with Konate’s first yellow card (55th minute) coming as a result of fouling Kai Havertz who had just received a long pass and was 2-on-2 in the final third. This eventually led to his dismissal with a second yellow in the 88th minute.

Aside from defensive issues, Liverpool could not seem to cause any threat at the Emirates Stadium. They did not have a shot on target until a tame Diaz shot in the 62nd minute straight at David Raya. A second save was not forced for the entirety of the game.

The Reds could not seem to get out of their half, with Mikel Arteta’s press proving effective. One reason may be the absence of Nunez who can normally latch onto long balls or wreak havoc upon the opposition defenders. Arsenal won the ball eight times in the final third.

Liverpool Injuries to Consider

Klopp revealed the latest news in his press conference. Wataru Endo has returned from the Asia Cup. The “super-influential” player is in contention to start. Conor Bradley will be “not available” due to a personal issue. Konate is suspended for one match following his red card.

Thiago Alcantara made his first appearance of the season against Arsenal and picked up a muscle injury immediately. “We don’t know the extent yet” but Klopp expects him to play again this campaign.

Mohamed Salah has a hamstring injury, but the team “hopes that he can be part of parts of training next week.”. Dominik Szoboszlai picked up a recurring muscle issue against Chelsea and “is not ready”. When asked about an expected return date, the manager replied: “Is it Brentford, is it the [Carabao Cup] final or is it after the final? I don’t know at the moment.”

Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, and Kostas Tsimikas remain out with no further updates.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup

GK: Alisson Becker

LB: Andy Robertson

CB: Virgil van Dijk

CB: Jarell Quansah

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CM: Curtis Jones

DM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Harvey Elliott

LW: Luis Diaz

ST: Darwin Nunez

RW: Diogo Jota