Liverpool will host Burnley at Anfield on January 13, 2024, as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak of 11 matches across all competitions. Under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot, the Reds are looking to solidify their position in the race for Champions League qualification after a convincing 4-1 victory against League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.
As Liverpool prepares for their Premier League clash, Slot faces significant decisions regarding his lineup. The team has been rotating players to manage their busy schedule, but it is likely that Slot will revert to a more familiar, stronger formation against Burnley. Alisson Becker is expected to return to goal, replacing Giorgi Mamardashvili, while Milos Kerkez is set to take over at left-back for Andy Robertson.
With Conor Bradley sidelined for the season, Liverpool’s right-back options are limited. Jeremie Frimpong stands out as the primary choice, though Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai have both played in that position this season. Calvin Ramsay may also be considered as a backup option.
Midfield Dynamics and Attack Adjustments
Liverpool boasts a wealth of talent in midfield, a position where Slot has numerous options. The team reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation against Barnsley, and Ryan Gravenberch is likely to return to a central role. Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister are in contention to join him, while Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, who recently returned from an ankle injury, add further depth.
With Mohamed Salah on international duty for the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak unavailable, Liverpool’s attacking options remain largely unchanged from previous matches. Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the attack after scoring and assisting against Barnsley following his injury layoff. Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are both contenders for the left wing, while Federico Chiesa, who struggled in his last appearance, may be replaced by Szoboszlai or Wirtz on the right.
The decisions Slot makes regarding Wirtz’s position will significantly influence the composition of the midfield and attack. As the January calendar continues to be demanding, Liverpool’s performance against Burnley will be critical in maintaining their momentum and ensuring their objectives for the season remain intact.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming match, Liverpool fans are eager to see how Slot navigates these selection challenges and whether his strategic choices will yield continued success on the pitch.
