Alisson Becker’s incredible injury-time winner against West Brom has brought Liverpool back in the ‘top four’ hunt ahead of travelling to Turf Moor to lock horns with Burnley on Wednesday night. They must overcome the challenge from another deep block outfit and maintain the streak to cement a Champions League berth that seemed unlikely a couple of weeks back.
It won’t be a stroll in the park for the Merseysiders though considering the persistent injury woes that ruined their title hopes. Jurgen Klopp is forced to bank on academy graduates to grind out results, particularly in the heart of the defensive line with five senior centre-backs sidelined along with skipper Jordan Henderson who was showing resilience as a makeshift centre-half.
Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup To Face Burnley
Defence
Alisson would keep his place between the sticks, however, his header on Sunday night showed what the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are lacking while spearheading the attack.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ozan Kabak, Ben Davies and Jordan Henderson ruled out for the rest of the season, the Reds are forced to bank on rookie Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips in deep defence. They have been vulnerable at times, but the gaffer must rely on the young duo with no other option left due to injury nightmare. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been exquisite of late and the right fullback should keep on posing the attacking threats with his marauding runs, set-pieces and pinpoint crosses. Andrew Robertson is focusing more on his defensive duties to cover for Williams and the Scotsman must continue to do so in the remaining fixtures.
Midfield
The presence of Thiago Alcântara and Fabinho in the middle of the park has restored stability, creativity and balance in the absence of skipper Henderson. Thiago had a difficult start to life in England but is finally dominating the midfield game with his vision and composure. Georginio Wijnaldum should get the nod over Curtis Jones with the latter looking out of depth against the Baggies at The Hawthorns. James Milner might recover before the midweek clash and grab a place among the substitutes.
Attack
Diogo Jota’s season-ending foot injury leaves Klopp with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino as the prime attacking options. While Salah is chasing yet another golden boot with his astounding scoring run, the struggle continues for Mane who is lacking confidence in front of the goal. Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might get some minutes based on how things shape up for Liverpool.
