Liverpool fans, buckle up—because Arne Slot has just unleashed a lineup twist that’s set to send shockwaves through the Premier League! As the Reds gear up for their crucial clash against Burnley at Anfield this Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 3pm GMT, the team news is in, and it’s nothing short of explosive. Burnley, fighting for survival in the top flight, thought they had a shot at an upset, but Slot’s selections? They’re straight out of left field, blending youth, tactical genius, and a dash of audacity that could redefine Liverpool’s season. This isn’t just a team sheet—it’s a statement!
Let’s dive right into the heart of the drama: Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, is STILL sidelined! Fresh off Egypt’s heartbreaking semi-final exit to Sadio Mane’s Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah has one more hurdle—the third-place play-off against Nigeria in Morocco. FIFA rules are crystal clear: players stick with their national teams until the morning after their final game. That means no Salah magic at Anfield this weekend. Slot confirmed the forward will rejoin training next week, but for now, Liverpool’s attack is without its talisman. Ouch—that’s a massive blow, but wait until you see how Slot’s compensating!
With Salah unavailable, the Reds are rolling out a predicted 4-2-3-1 formation that’s got everyone talking. Alisson Becker returns between the sticks after Giorgi Mamardashvili’s solid showing in the FA Cup win over Barnsley. That’s stability at the back, but the real fireworks are up front and in midfield. Slot’s got a full squad otherwise, minus the long-term absentees: Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni. No excuses there—it’s all systems go!
Defensively, it’s business as usual with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk anchoring the center, Joe Gomez as the trusty backup. But here’s where it gets juicy: at right-back, with Bradley out, Dominik Szoboszlai might deputize again after his… let’s call it “memorable” error in the cup that gifted Barnsley a goal. Yeah, that howler was dreadful, but Slot’s faith in the Hungarian is unshaken. Could Szoboszlai shift to right-back, freeing up Jeremie Frimpong to push forward? Or does he slide into midfield, with Curtis Jones dropping back? The flexibility is mind-blowing!
On the left, summer signing Milos Kerkez has nailed down the first-choice spot, even after Andy Robertson’s full 90 minutes against Barnsley. Kerkez’s energy and attacking flair could be the key to unlocking Burnley’s defense.
Midfield? Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are locked in— the Argentine started in the cup before Gravenberch subbed on late. Their partnership is pure class, blending creativity and steel.
Now, the attack—THIS is the bombshell! Federico Chiesa and young sensation Rio Ngumoha got chances out wide in the cup, but Ngumoha cramped up and had to come off. Enter Hugo Ekitike, who impressed off the bench up top, shifting Cody Gakpo to the left flank. And get this: Szoboszlai could move wide right, with Florian Wirtz pulling the strings in the No. 10 role. Wirtz? The German wonderkid in red? That’s the kind of flair that’s got Burnley quaking!
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Burnley didn’t see this coming—a lineup packed with surprises, from Ekitike leading the line to potential positional swaps that could catch them off guard. Slot’s bold calls scream confidence, especially after that FA Cup stroll. Liverpool’s depth is shining through, turning absences into opportunities for stars like Ekitike and Ngumoha to step up.
This match at Anfield isn’t just another fixture; it’s a potential turning point. Will Slot’s stunning selections propel the Reds to victory and keep their title charge alive? Or will Burnley capitalize on the chaos? One thing’s for sure—this bombshell lineup has the Premier League buzzing. Kick-off can’t come soon enough! Stay tuned for all the action, Reds fans. YNWA!