Liverpool predicted line-up vs Burnley as Arne Slot faces Cody Gakpo dilemma

The Liverpool head coach is working with a small number of trusted players for Premier League matches, but will have to select at least one regular starter on the bench for Saturday's game at Anfield

Liverpool predicted line-up vs Burnley(Image: )

Liverpool is likely to revert to a similar line-up to the one that started against Arsenal when it takes on Burnley on Saturday.

Arne Slot, understandably, opted to rotate his squad for Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley, although the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai did complete 90 minutes. The return of Premier League action will likely mean a more familiar line-up this weekend.

Not that Slot has a huge amount to choose from. Discounting those first-team members who he clearly is reluctant to hand a starting berth to - Wataru Endo, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, to name but a few - Slot is working with a relatively small group.

One change that is certainly anticipated at Anfield is the return of Alisson. The goalkeeper had the night off for the FA Cup, but will resume his usual role between the sticks against Burnley.

The goalkeeper has kept two clean sheets in his last three matches, and the Reds are looking more resolute and structured than just a few weeks ago.

Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will likely continue at center-back, with Andy Robertson expected to drop out in place of Milos Kerekz.

Right-back looks a little less certain. Jeremie Frimpong is the obvious choice, although he could be deployed in a more advanced role, with Joe Gomez slotting in as part of the back four.

Frimpong could play at right-back or further forward(Image: Getty Images)

In midfield, the Reds have more options. Two of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister will sit in a deeper position, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz likely to fulfill more offensive positions.

That quintet could form the core of Slot’s side, although Cody Gakpo is another player the Liverpool head coach could deploy.

Given Gakpo played 90 minutes on Monday, is still working his way back to full fitness and has not enjoyed his best form in recent weeks, a role among the substitutes looks more likely.

Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are expected to lead Liverpool's attack on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

With Alexander Isak still injured, Hugo Ekitike is the only real option to play in the no.9 position. The Frenchman has provided eight goal contributions across his six games in all competitions.

That includes a goal and an assist in his 30-minute cameo against Barnsley on Monday.

Robertson, Endo Chiesa and Ngumoha are expected to be on the bench alongside the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili, Calvin Ramsay and Trey Nyoni.

Liverpool predicted line-up vs Burnley: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.