The midweek round of fixtures in the Premier League continues with reigning champions Liverpool playing host to basement battlers Burnley at Anfield tonight.
The Reds missed a golden opportunity to draw level with current pace-setters Man United after settling for a goalless draw against the Red Devils in their last game. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be the overwhelming favourites to come away with all three points against the Clarets.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 17 home league games against Burnley, so Sean Dyche’s men will need to produce something extraordinary to deny the Reds this time around.
Liverpool have several players ruled out with injuries heading into the midweek clash against Burnley. Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are all nursing knee injuries while Joel Matip and Naby Keita are also on the sidelines.
The Brazilian pulled off an excellent save to preserve a clean sheet against Man United and has always been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks.
The academy graduate has been in poor form by his usual lofty standards and will be expected to put in a better shift tonight.
He has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season and remains the undisputed first-choice left-back for Klopp.
The former Monaco star had a dream game in an unfamiliar centre-back role against Man United and should definitely start this game.
The skipper has been shoehorned as a centre-back in recent weeks due to the ongoing defensive crisis and is expected to start.
The Spaniard has only made 5 appearances in the PL so far this season due to injuries but Klopp should back him with yet another start after a superb all-round display against Man United.
Shaqiri did a decent job in the last game but the teenager has always found himself higher up in Klopp’s pecking order this season.
The Dutchman remains a key cog in Liverpool’s engine room with his work rate and discipline.
The Egyptian wizard has been lacking that magic touch in front of goal in recent weeks but it’s never wise to write him off, especially against a struggling Burnley side.
The Senegalese international was a bit disappointing in the goalless draw against United last time around but could well be the difference-maker for the Reds this time.
Firmino was quite shocking in the last game and Klopp might as well rotate his squad to give the Japanese star an opportunity against Burnley.