Liverpool aims to secure their fourth consecutive win against Burnley on Sunday, a result that would place them clear at the top of the league table. Despite this perfect record, there`s a sense that Arne Slot`s team hasn`t yet reached its full potential. Slot faces ongoing challenges integrating new players into the starting lineup and optimizing their positions as he navigates his second year at the helm.
The return of Alexander Isak introduces further selection dilemmas for Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike has impressed early in the season with two goals and an assist in the league, but Isak`s availability likely means Ekitike will shift to a wide attacking role. This transition shouldn`t be unfamiliar to Ekitike, who often played a supporting forward role alongside Omar Marmoush during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. Such versatility provides Slot with greater tactical flexibility for his team`s formation.
Match Details: Burnley vs. Liverpool
- Date: Sunday, September 14
- Time: 9:00 AM ET
- Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley, England
- Broadcast (USA): USA Network
- Streaming (USA): Fubo
- Betting Odds: Burnley to win +800; Draw +460; Liverpool to win -320
With the Champions League group stage commencing on Tuesday, squad rotation will be essential. Players such as Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Ekitike are likely to feature as substitutes, which might benefit Wirtz. After three Premier League appearances without a goal or assist, Wirtz`s performance has dipped compared to his Bayer Leverkusen days. Known for high involvement, he is currently averaging nearly 25 fewer touches per game at Liverpool.
Several factors contribute to this, including Liverpool`s tactical approach and the reduced space available in the Premier League. Crucially, Wirtz was the focal point at Leverkusen, with much of their play channeled through him. At Liverpool, however, he is part of a constellation of talented players, meaning even Mohamed Salah doesn`t monopolize possession. While Wirtz is expected to see more of the ball as the season progresses, these recent acquisitions also indicate Liverpool`s strategic planning for future campaigns.
Arne Slot`s preferred 3-4-3 formation is currently challenging to implement with Mohamed Salah in the team, as it would require benching either Wirtz, Isak, or Ekitike. This issue of player rotation already extends to Dominik Szoboszlai, reflecting the inherent complexities of managing a world-class club. Slot must skillfully balance player satisfaction with tactical decisions to maintain Liverpool`s leading position. To date, he has achieved this without Wirtz performing at his peak.
However, Wirtz will need to elevate his game in the Champions League. Last season, Liverpool topped their group but failed to win the competition and also exited the FA Cup early to Plymouth Argyle. While such exits are more palatable during a title challenge, a failure to advance deep in competitions this season could signal a concerning pattern. As fixtures intensify, Wirtz`s top form will be crucial; otherwise, Liverpool may face difficulties. A team can only sustain success while playing below its full potential for a limited time in the demanding Premier League.
