In a thrilling turn of events, Arne Slot is faced with significant decisions as Liverpool contemplates a potential transformation in their attacking lineup.
Liverpool is gearing up for an upcoming Premier League match against Burnley, and Slot must navigate some tricky selection dilemmas. Following a recent match where Liverpool triumphed over Barnsley with a decisive 4-1 scoreline in the FA Cup, the team has now gone 11 games unbeaten across all competitions. This victory not only boosts morale but also sets the stage for their next challenge against Brighton in the fourth round of the cup next month.
As Slot prepares to lead his team through a busy January schedule, the anticipation builds around the adjustments he could implement for the match against Burnley this Saturday afternoon.
Slot had previously rotated his squad during the match against Barnsley, but he's likely to return to a stronger lineup, especially since Liverpool seeks to solidify its position in the Champions League qualification spots. Expect Alisson Becker to reclaim his spot as goalkeeper, taking over from Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Freddie Woodman serving as the backup.
In defense, Milos Kerkez is set to replace Andy Robertson at left-back. With Conor Bradley sidelined for the entire season, Jeremie Frimpong stands as the sole recognized right-back option. However, Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai have both filled in at that position earlier in the campaign and might be called upon to do so again in the coming weeks. Calvin Ramsay also remains a possible alternative.
Gomez, who recently made his first start in a month as a center-back against Barnsley, is expected to be benched with Ibrahima Konate returning to partner Virgil van Dijk in defense. Giovanni Leoni will not be playing again this season, while promising Academy player Wellity Lucky made his debut back in October.
When it comes to midfield, Liverpool enjoys a wealth of choices. Slot reverted to the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation against Barnsley on Monday. Ryan Gravenberch is anticipated to return to the base of the midfield, with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister vying for a spot alongside him. Additionally, Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, who recently returned from an ankle injury, add depth to the options.
Szoboszlai has already shown versatility this season, playing in various roles, including as a number 10 this week. However, he may need to shift positions, with Florian Wirtz being a key contender for the attacking midfield role, alongside Jones and Mac Allister, who have also played there under Slot.
Teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni has seen limited action off the bench lately, while Stefan Bajcetic continues to remain unavailable.
Slot’s choices in attack will remain similar due to Mohamed Salah's ongoing AFCON commitment and Alexander Isak's extended absence. Hugo Ekitike made a notable impact off the bench against Barnsley, scoring and assisting, putting him in line to lead the attack against Burnley. Cody Gakpo is another option for the left wing, alongside Wirtz, particularly since 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha is still awaiting his first Premier League start.
Federico Chiesa had a tough outing on the right flank during the last match and is likely to make way for either Szoboszlai or Wirtz, who are the primary candidates to take his position. The decision regarding Wirtz’s starting role will significantly influence the alignment of both the midfield and attacking strategies moving forward.
