Liverpool travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on December 26. The Boxing Day fixture will give the Reds the chance to take provisional top spot above Arsenal. We reveal our predicted lineup for Liverpool.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Burnley in Boxing Day Matchup
How Jurgen Klopp’s Side Have Lined-up Recently
Alisson Becker has started in goal. The in-form Trent Alexander-Arnold has started at right-back, with Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk at centre-half. Kostas Tsimikas has been the starting left-back in the absence of Andy Robertson, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since October.
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In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai has started every game. Wataru Endo has broken into the side in recent weeks, whilst Curtis Jones started the previous match with Ryan Gravenberch also returning to fitness.
Luis Díaz has featured on the left wing with Mohamed Salah on the right. Darwin Núñez had been a starter but following his eleven-match goal drought, the centre-forward was dropped for Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward has also been struggling for form and could be dropped after a fairly insignificant display against the league leaders.
Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Anfield in a Saturday night thriller, where a slow start for the Merseyside club was followed by an onslaught of attacks where they struggled to take their chances. Whilst their failure to secure a victory allowed Arsenal to keep the top spot for Christmas, fans were relatively pleased with the result: a loss would have left the Reds four points adrift.
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In truth, Liverpool were the more threatening team. They prevailed on xG (expected goals), Harvey Elliott hit the post, and Alexander-Arnold hit the bar during a four versus one counterattack that seemed almost certain to result in goal.
The English right-back put in yet another classy performance. On form, Alexander-Arnold is amongst the best technical players in the league. He recorded his eighth assist of the season against the Gunners, pinging a spectacular through ball from well within his half all the way to Salah at the byline.
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Gakpo did not have the impact that Klopp would’ve hoped for, after replacing the off-form Darwin Núñez. The Dutchman had just two touches in Arsenal’s box and was dispossessed three times, before being substituted in the 68th minute. Perhaps Núñez will be given his spot back on Boxing Day.
One concern for Liverpool has been their struggle to break down low blocks in recent weeks. In particular, they failed to score against a very defensive Manchester United side and recorded zero shots on target in the first 75 minutes against Crystal Palace. This Burnley game will be no different, with the Clarets sitting very deep even during their 2-0 win over Fulham.
In contrast to Palace, however, Vincent Kompany’s side has frequently shown a desire to play out of defence and have extended spells of possession. This poses a unique challenge but could also create space between the lines for Liverpool to attack in transition.
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Team News Injuries to Consider
Klopp revealed injury news in a press conference during the build-up to the Burnley fixture. Tsimikas “broke his collarbone at least” against Arsenal, after Bukayo Saka knocked the Greek onto the floor and the left-back’s own manager landed on top of him. After being asked about a replacement, Klopp said: “We will have Joey [Gomez] there and just have to make sure we put him in cotton wool”.
Tsimikas’ injury is so significant because Andy Robertson (the only other senior left-back) has been out for months. When asked about a return date, the German manager revealed: “We all hope it will be in January but I don’t know”.
Diogo Jota could potentially make a return to action, after Klopp said: “I don’t want to rule anybody out. He didn’t train with the team yet, so it would be a surprise – but maybe I will be surprised”.
Díaz went off injured against Arsenal, but “physios were not too concerned”. It is unclear whether he will be available against Burnley: “We play in three days and you never know how quick the turnaround is, so we have to see”.
Alexis Mac Allister remains out, but is “closer”. Stefan Bajčetić, Thiago Alcântara, and Jöel Matip all remain out long-term.
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Liverpool Predicted Lineup
GK: Alisson Becker
LB: Joe Gomez
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Ibrahima Konaté
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
CM: Ryan Gravenberch
DM: Wataru Endo
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
LW: Darwin Núñez
ST: Cody Gakpo
RW: Mohamed Salah
